"Maybe there is a political logic behind it but not medical" - Djokovic on not being able to play US Open
ATP
Novak Djokovic spoke about his inability to enter the United States after his second-round win at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
Djokovic bested Thanasi Kokkinakis without too many problems in the second round of the grass-court major. Although he didn't have problems on the tennis court, the Serbian player might soon encounter issues when trying to enter the United States.
It currently appears that he will not be able to enter the United States and Australia for the following two Grand Slam tournaments. Therefore, Djokovic might have to wait 11 months before playing another major.
If nothing changes, his next Grand Slam tournament will be Roland Garros in 2023. When speaking after his second-round win at SW19, Djokovic admitted that he will follow the rules set out by the authorities when it comes to the next two majors.
"No unvaccinated people can enter the USA as of this moment. I did hear unofficially that some people got away with it, some people who are not ‘famous’, but I would never even try to go to the USA if it is not allowed."
"Some people think that I made that mistake in Australia, but it was the contrary in fact – I had the exemption etc, let’s not go over the same story again."
"Bottom line is: if I am told that I cannot go, I won’t go, I would never put myself in such a position. Even if I get in, they would see me on TV playing tennis and pick me up!"
Djokovic received plenty of support from many current and former tennis players during this period. One of them was Tennys Sandgren, who the Serbian player texted, as he revealed during his press conference in London.
"I have been texting with Tennys Sandgren a few days ago. I wanted to thank him for the public support he has given me in this situation. What he said makes total sense – if unvaccinated players are not allowed to compete at the US Open, then it should be the case for everyone."
"I don’t see the medical logic behind it, that Tennys can play because he is a citizen of the USA, and I cannot. If I had a US passport or a green card, I would be able to play. Maybe there is a political logic behind it – not medical – but I would rather not get into that and you can understand why."
"Grand Slams are tournaments that are my priority at this stage of my career and of course I want to play in New York. On the other hand, if I do not get a chance to do so, it is not the end of the world, we will look ahead. But right now, I am completely focused on Wimbledon."
