Novak Djokovic could legally enter United States but will he do it?

| by Balasz Virag

Right now, Novak Djokovic is still unable to fly directly to the United States and therefore he's also unable to play the 2022 US Open.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion already withdrew from the ATP 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati but he's still featured on the entry list for the fourth Grand Slam of the season. On Thursday, Novak Djokovic's chances of entering the United States increased when the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new regulations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is in charge of maintaining the health and safety of US people, released revised guidance on Thursday that relaxes limitations on social distancing and isolation.

Novak Djokovic's chances of playing US Open rapidly increase after newest regulations change
Novak Djokovic's chances of playing US Open rapidly increase after newest regulations change

Although it indicates on its website that this is being examined in light of the most recent update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet changed its travel advise, which currently specifies that all foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated before entering the US.

However, the Serbian could enter the United States in another way. He could fly to Bahamas, country that doesn't require a vaccination and then he could transport by a ferry to Florida, a type of transportation that also doesn't require Novak Djokovic to be vaccinated.

Yet, Novak Djokovic may not do that as he previously hinted that he will not enter the United States unless he's legally allowed to enter the United States directly. The 21-time Grand Slam champion probably doesn't want to enter the country in this way, as he hinted previously:

"I want to be in New York. I am a professional tennis player, I don't go into politics or anything else because that doesn't interest me. I have my stance and I am a proponent for freedom to choose what is best for you."

"I respect everything and everybody, and I expect people to at least respect my decision. If I have permission, I'll be there. If I don't, I won't be there - it's not the end of the world. I still feel young so I have many years to come."

Novak Djokovic out of Cincinnati Masters, US Open in doubt again
Novak Djokovic out of Cincinnati Masters, US Open in doubt again

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