‘No Longer Considering Third Party Applications’- USTA Tries to Explain Reasons Behind the Imminent Novak Djokovic’s Ban From the US Open 2022

The 21-time major winner and former world no.1, Novak Djokovic, has withdrawn from the US Open considering COVID-19 travel restrictions. The USTA recently cleared the air on why it couldn’t apply for an exemption to allow the Serb enter the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not changed its policy of prohibiting unvaccinated non-American citizens from entering the country. Prominent stars like John McEnroe and Tennys Sandgren expressed their displeasure about the CDC continuing to apply its rules to foreigners. 

US Open tournament director’s statement on Novak Djokovic

The US Tennis Association (USTA) called Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the US Open unfortunate. However, she also wished to see him return to Flushing Meadows next year.

The US Open tournament director, Stacey Allaster said, in a statement: “Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-U.S.citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.“

The USTA claims that even if it had wanted to, it could not have obtained an exemption for Novak Djokovic. They also stated in an e-mailed response to Tennis Majors on Friday that the rules on exemptions had changed from the previous policy.

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“In all instances, we were informed that the US Government was no longer considering third party applications for National Interest Exemptions.” The USTA told Tennis Majors.

Djokovic withdraws from the US Open

The former world no.1 Novak Djokovic has announced about his withdrawal, as he remains firm on his decision to not get vaccinated. Travelers must show proof of full vaccination to enter the United States under current regulations.

Djokovic, 35, faced deportation from Australia earlier this year, which subsequently made him miss the Australian Open. Online petitions were also being circulated by Djokovic fans in an effort to allow him to participate in the US Open. Recently, John McEnroe said it would be “a joke” if the Serb didn’t play because of his vaccination status.

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