Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he won't be playing at the US Open after a decision from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding vaccination requirements for entering the country.
Despite the tournament starting on Monday, with the draw taking place on Thursday, it had still not been confirmed whether or not Djokovic - who is unvaccinated - would be able to travel and play at Flushing Meadows.
On Thursday the CDC confirmed that visitors to the US still needed to be vaccinated if they are foreign nationals, a category that Djokovic falls into.
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Djokovic tweeted later on to confirm that he would not be playing.
"Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam 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!"
Djokovic hasn’t played competitively since his Wimbledon triumph in July, and was unable to travel to the ATP Tour's most recent tournaments in Canada and the United States due to his vaccination status.
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam 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! 👋🏼
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022
A statement from the US Open said "Novak Djokovic withdrew from the 2022 US Open prior to the draw taking place this morning.
"The official seeding list is not determined until the draw is made. As the Qualifying Tournament has commenced his withdrawal resulted in a Lucky Loser being included in the draw."
READ ALSO: Novak Djokovic pulls out of Indian Wells as vaccine stance derails US trip
US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster added "Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open."
A statement from the US Open: pic.twitter.com/E5ijwpkKjS
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2022
Before the decision was made, Eurosport expert John McEnroe labelled Djokovic’s potential exclusion as a “joke”, and that his “strong beliefs” should be respected.
"No, I don't think it's fair," four-time US Open winner McEnroe told Eurosport. "I think it's a joke.
"I would have had the vaccine and gone and played but he's got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that.
"At this point, in the pandemic, we're two and a half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can’t travel here to play, to me is a joke."
Djokovic caused an international incident in January ahead of the Australian Open, and was eventually deported.
He entered Australia ahead of the tournament as he believed he was exempt from strict rules the country had around unvaccinated travellers, but was branded a “public health risk” by local officials after only recently recovering from the virus.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner was beaten 6-4 6-4 6-4 by Daniil Medvedev in last year’s US Open final as the Russian claimed his first major title.
Djokovic last won the US Open in 2018, and has since won the Australian Open and Wimbledon three times apiece, as well as clinching a second French Open.
Eurosport