Novak Djokovic unlikely to play US Open due to vaccination rules

KARACHI: Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is unlikely to participate in the tournament as the US Open organisers said they would "respect" American government regulations regarding the travel of unvaccinated athletes.

Non-citizens must have a COVID-19 vaccination to enter the US.

Djokovic missed the Australian Open earlier this year because he is not immunized.

In July, the 35-year-old Serb who won Wimbledon said he would "hopefully wait for some good news."

The tournament in New York takes place from 29 August to 11 September.

Three-time US Open champion Djokovic has been named on the entry list for the final Grand Slam of the year, but that is routine, rather than an indication that he will be allowed to play.

"Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men's and women's singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days before the first Monday of the event.

"The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens," a US Open statement read.

With his victory at Wimbledon, Djokovic now has 21 Grand Slam trophies, one fewer than Rafael Nadal, who has 22.