Novak Djokovic free to play US Open after change to Covid vaccine policy
The unvaccinated Serbian was forced to miss last year’s tournament
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Novak Djokovic will be able to play at this year’s US Open after the United States announced it is lifting its vaccine mandate on international travellers.
The world number one is not vaccinated against Covid-19 and had previously been unable to enter America.
But US policy will change on May 12, allowing the 22-time grand slam winner to return to Flushing Meadows in August.
A White House statement said: “Today, we are announcing that the Administration will end the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travellers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends.”
Djokovic, 35, missed both Australian Open and the US Open tournaments in 2022 because of his vaccination status.
The Serbian had applied for special permission to play in the US last month at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open but did not receive dispensation to do so.
With vaccination against Covid-19 no longer required to enter Australia, Djokovic competed at this year’s Australian Open in January and won his latest major singles title.
Djokovic has won the US Open title three times with his victories coming in 2011, 2015 and 2018.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments