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via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 1, 2022 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his quarter final match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 1, 2022 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his quarter final match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Renowned writer and television analyst Clay Travis has hit out at US Open organizers after no relaxation in rules for unvaccinated players. 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic could be embroiled in another saga after being unable to play earlier this year at the Australian Open.
However, after refusing to take the vaccine Djokovic may be forced out of another Grand Slam in 2022. This rule has been questioned by many fans and experts alike who may see one of the top stars miss out.
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Clay Travis defends Novak Djokovic after new ruling
Travis believes that the final Grand Slam of the year must include the three-time champion in the draw. According to Travis, the likes of basketball player Kyrie Irving (including Djokovic), who have refused the vaccination will seem smarter by the day. Talking to FOX News, he says, “It’s a joke. So, I think this will end up getting resolved and Djokovic will play.”
@ClayTravis reacts to Russian players being allowed to compete in the U.S. Open, while unvaccinated Djokovic 'faces a ban from the match. pic.twitter.com/crmGMfbNLG
— Brian Kilmeade (@kilmeade) June 15, 2022
“And by the way, I still say he, Kyrie Irving, Aaron Rodgers, athletes who were brave enough to be frank about their lack of COVID vaccination status are going to continue to look smarter and smarter in the months and years ahead,” he added.
US immigration confirmed that a negative COVID test will be required before departing. However, a vaccination proof certificate will be mandatory on arrival. With this ruling, Djokovic could even miss the Masters 1000 events in Cincinnati and Toronto.
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Will Djokovic defend his crown at Wimbledon?
After winning three Grand Slams last season, the Serbian has failed to replicate the same success in 2022. While falling off the top of the rankings, Djokovic has won only one title this year in Rome. Moreover, with Wimbledon excluding ranking points, he also faces a fight to make it to the ATP Finals in Turin.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the trophy and father Srdjan Djokovic as he celebrates victory on the balcony after the Gentlemen’s Singles final against Roger Federer of Switzerland during Day thirteen of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
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Djokovic will return to defend his crown at Wimbledon later this month. He has not played any event since his quarter-final exit at Roland Garros to Rafael Nadal. The 35-year old will need to maintain his level of consistency at SW19 to win a 21st Grand Slam title.