Novak Djokovic to miss US Open 2022: ‘I will not be able to travel to New York’

World No. 6 Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the US Open 2022 after the 21-time Grand Slam winner announced that he will not be travelling to New York.

The reason behind Djokovic not being able to compete in the final Grand Slam of the year is mainly due to his Covid vaccination status. The Serb, who is yet to jab himself against the novel coronavirus, cannot be permitted to enter the US as per the existing rules.

“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 tweeted.

This is the second Grand Slam that Djokovic has missed this year due to Covid-related issue. He was earlier deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open in January, which also saw the prime minister of the country get involved.

However, he was allowed to take part in the French Open and the Wimbledon, which saw the former world number one claim his 21st Major title in July. The feat saw him edge past tennis icon Roger Federer, while he still remains one Grand Slam behind this year’s French Open winner Rafael Nadal.

Novak will now have to wait until 2023 to add more Major titles to his tally. He has so far reached nine US Open finals, in which he has won three and lost on the other six occasions, with the latest being in 2021, which saw next gen star Daniil Medvedev beat the Serb in the final.