US relaxes Covid rules: Will Novak Djokovic compete in the US Open?

• Novak Djokovic Us Open saga has taken a new twist after the United state’s CDC amendments
• Djokovic was not likely to participate in the US Open due to his refusal to take a COVID 19 vaccine
• The 21 Grand Slam winner said earlier that he has zero hopes of partcipate in the tournament
•  But according to reports, the 35-year-old has been practising for the final Grand Slam event this year

The controversy surrounding Novak Djokovic and whether or not he would compete in the US Open had taken an intriguing new turn when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of United States altered its coronavirus regulations.

Novak Djokovic has no hopes in competing in the US Open

A week ago, Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic revealed that he had “zero hopes” that Djokovic would compete.

This was because foreigners not vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus are not permitted to enter the United States.

The player who has won 21 Grand Slams has been placed on the entrance list for the competition. However, he has chosen not to get vaccinated against the virus. As a result, he will likely be denied entry into the country.

On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is in charge of ensuring the health and safety of people living in the United States, has published new guidance that relaxes the restrictions regarding social isolation and quarantine.

Novak Djokovic. Photo/Fox Sports

 “This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks, CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update.” read the statement

The CDC has not yet updated its travel advice, which states that all non-US citizens and nationals must be fully vaccinated before entering the country.

 However, its website indicates that it is being reviewed in light of the most recent recommendations.

Djokovic is likely not to play in the US Open

Should this be the case, Novak Djokovic may be able to play in the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, which will be held at Flushing Meadows.

Djokovic has stated in the past that he still maintains the hope that he will be able to compete. However this is contingent on the fact that he will be permitted to do so. Nonetheless, he does not intend to obtain the vaccine to achieve this goal.

Djokovic’s vaccination status has already caused disruptions to his 2022 season. The Tennis star  was not allowed to enter Australia in January due to his condition. As a result, he did not play in the Australian Open.

Because of the restrictions, he was forced to sit out the beginning of the North American swing and the competitions that took place in the lead-up to the year’s last major, which will begin at Flushing Meadows on August 29.

According to the United States Tennis Association, which has stated that it will respect the government’s approach on the topic, there are no plans to award Djokovic or anybody else an exemption to the vaccine restrictions. Djokovic is also not eligible for such an exemption.