- Tennis fans expressed disappointment through a peaceful protest
- Fans continued to hold out hope that the unvaccinated 21-time Grand Slam champion would be allowed to participate
- Djokovic said he was unable to travel to New York
Tennis fans expressed disappointment through a peaceful protest over the absence of Novak Djokovic at the US Open, which kicked off on Monday.
The Serbian tennis player was forced to withdraw from the competition since he is unvaccinated against Covid-19. He cannot be allowed into the US.
Fans continued to hold out hope that the unvaccinated 21-time Grand Slam champion would be allowed a rare exemption to participate. This is despite the increased pressure placed on President Joe Biden to allow Djokovic to participate.
However, the Serbian player announced last week that he would not be playing at Flushing Meadows.
Novak Djokovic. Photo/SBNation.com
Despite the international uproar that occurred when Novak Djokovic travelled to Melbourne in January 2022 in an attempt to compete at the Australian Open, Djokovic has remained steadfast in his refusal to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
Since the veteran’s position was established in advance, it is obvious that he wants to steer clear of any emotional rollercoaster that might occur this time around.
He expressed his regret on Twitter, saying: “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to [New York] this time for the US Open.
Thank you for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!”
Hoards of Djokovic fans and a cluster of American officials, both of whom believe that the vaccination restrictions to enter the country are misguided, exerted pressure on President Biden to allow him to participate.
On Monday, a group of individuals voiced their disagreement with the United States Open by demonstrating in front of the courts in New York.
One person was captured on tape using a microphone to rile up the crowd while yelling: “It makes no sense! Continue to support Novak! Why do we continue to be closed? Why are the United States borders still closed? Where is Novak?”
Novak Djokovic to miss two American events. Photo/DNA India
Djokovic has triumphed at the US Open on three separate occasions in his illustrious career, with his most recent victory coming in 2018.
With his absence at Flushing Meadows, Rafael Nadal will have the opportunity to move ahead of him in the list of all-time Grand Slam winners. Nadal is now one win ahead of 22 on the list.
On the first day of competition at the US Open, 10th seed Taylor Fritz was stunned by fellow countryman Brandon Holt. While the young British prospect, Jack Draper, won in straight sets against Emil Ruusuvuori.
There was still time for one more unexpected outcome, and it came in the form of the fourth-seeded player, Stefanos Tsitsipas, losing in the first round to Daniel Galan in four sets.
Nick Kyrgios defeated his doubles partner and close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis in what he described as “one of the most painful matches of his career.”
Kyrgios emerged victorious with scores of 6-3, 6-4, and 7-6. The Australian, who was defeated by Djokovic in the final of Wimbledon a month ago and who is developing a burgeoning “bromance” with the Serbian, says he can’t wait for the US Open to end so that he can get back home to Australia.
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