Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Is Unable to Play in U.S. Open After Refusing to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

usmagazine.com:

Laying down the law on and off the court. Following Novak Djokovic’s controversial views about refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S.

Open has made it clear that he’s not welcome to participate unless he receives the shot.The tennis championship released a statement on Wednesday, July 20, noting that they do not have a vaccination mandate in place for their own players but will comply with the country’s position before the U.S.

Open’s main draw kicks off on Monday, August 29.“The U.S. Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the U.S.

government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens,” the statement read, seemingly referring to Djokovic, 35, whose controversial views have made headlines amid the pandemic.Djokovic, who won the men’s singles tournament at Wimbledon earlier this month, previously admitted he was willing to skip future tennis matches if attending meant challenging his beliefs on the vaccine.“The principles of decision-making on my body are more important than any title, or anything else,” the Serbian athlete told the BBC in February after he was deported from Australia ahead of its Australia Open. “I understand the consequences of my decision.”While Djokovic initially alleged he had been granted a “medical exemption” to play in the country’s January championship match without having received a vaccine, he was detained at the airport upon his arrival.