‘US Open does not have a vaccination mandate,’ says chiefs in row over Novak Djokovic absence

The US Open has reiterated its stance on Novak Djokovic, saying it is not them who will prevent him from playing.

Djokovic is set to miss the event this year due to his decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

However, unvaccinated American players such as Tennys Sandgren will be permitted to play, leading many of Djokovic’s fans to lash out at tournament organisers.

The US Open, though, have released a statement explaining that since they do not have a vaccination mandate, they are not responsible for Novak Djokovic not being able to play.

Instead, it is the US government and their border control policy that says unvaccinated foreigners may not enter the country that needs to change before the US Open can welcome him into their draw.

Djokovic is currently on the entry list for the US Open, but that is merely procedural.

“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 prior to the first Monday of the event,” the statement read.

“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.”

If Djokovic is not allowed to play, he would have been not allowed to defend a staggering 5,200 Grand Slam ranking points this season.

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