Novak Djokovic confirms he will miss US Open due to Covid vaccine status

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the US Open as he is unable to enter the United States border owing to his choice to be unvaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic, a 21-times grand slam champion, remained in the event until Thursday morning but then officially conceded he would not be able to travel to the United States to compete.

The US Open will be the second grand slam of the year that Djokovic has missed due to his vaccination status. In January, Djokovic was detained in an immigration facility and then deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open after a series of legal hearings.

Djokovic is next scheduled to compete at the Davis Cup in September and then the Laver Cup in London the following week but it remains to be seen when he will next be allowed to compete at the grand slam tournament.

Under Australian border rules, non-citizens whose visas have been revoked are barred from applying for a new visa for three years. The new Australian government, led by Anthony Albanese, will likely make a decision on whether to uphold the ban at a later date.

Since Djokovic chose to withdraw after the qualifying draw had begun, a lucky loser will take his place in the draw.