Thousands Sign Online Tennis Petition To Allow Novak Djokovic To Play US Open

Thousands Sign Online Tennis Petition To Allow Novak Djokovic To Play US Open

Updated on July 21, 2022 14:42 PM by Anna P

2022 US Open Begins With More Than Thousand Signature

The US Open begins in Flushing Meadows, New York, on August 29. More than 12,000 people have signed an online petition on change.org calling for the United States Tennis Association - USTA and the US government to allow Novak Djokovic to compete in the US Open.

Currently, the 21-time grand slam champion cannot enter the country due to rules requiring travelers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The Pandemic Stage, Djokovic Not Allow To Play At US Open 2022

There is no reason at this pandemic stage not to allow Djokovic to play at the US Open 2022. US Government and USTA must work together to let him play. If unvaccinated American players can play, Djokovic, one of the game's legends, must be allowed to play. MAKE IT HAPPEN, USTA! the petition said.

Immigration issues have somewhat derailed Djokovic's year as his refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine has hindered his participation in tournaments worldwide.

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In January, Djokovic Australian Open Kicked Off Detention

Before the Australian Open kicked off in January, Djokovic was deported from Australia following a detention period and could not defend his title.

In February, the Serb, who retained his Wimbledon crown with a win over Australia's Nick Kyrgios earlier this month, said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments rather than take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Related: During a charity basketball match, Nick Kyrgios made fun of his engagement to girlfriend Costeen Hatzi

Djokovic Miss Several Tournaments Because Of His Unvaccinated Status

Djokovic later said that he would be willing to miss tournaments to maintain his unvaccinated status, and he has forgone playing in several games throughout the year, including those based in the US, such as the Miami Open and Indian Wells.

Djokovic has, however, played in two grand slams this year -- the French Open, where he reached the quarterfinals, losing to eventual champion Rafael Nadal, and Wimbledon, where he defended his title with 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 victory over Nick Kyrgios in the final.

Djokovic was unable to enter the US, and with his participation in the Australian Open also in doubt due to laws that could ban him from entering the country for a further three years, Djokovic's next appearance at a grand slam could be the 2023 French Open.

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