Recently-crowned Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic said on Monday it is unlikely he will feature in this year's US Open as he continues to refuse to be vaccinated against coronavirus.
As things stand, the 35-year-old's unvaccinated status means he will not be allowed into the United States to play in the tournament, which starts next month.
The Serb was deported from Australia over his vaccination status in January, preventing him from defending his Australian Open title.
"At the moment I can't go to the United States, I'm hoping for positive news, but there's not a lot of time, I don't know, hope springs eternal," he told Serbian broadcasters RTS.
"I'd like to play the US Open but if it doesn't happen it's not the end of the world, nor the first Grand Slam I have to withdraw from.
"It's important to me to stay healthy, physically and mentally, so I can still play for a long time and the chances to do so will certainly come," he added.
The Serbian top seed beat Nick Kyrgios in four sets on Sunday to win his seventh title at the All England Club and 21st Grand Slam crown overall -- leaving him just one behind Rafael Nadal.
"People asked me, speaking about my records, what was my favourite number and I cited one of my idols, who is no longer with us, Kobe Bryant," Djokovic said in front of a crowd of thousands of fans in Belgrade.
"My favourite title is the next one," he added.
https://sports.yahoo.com/djokovic-doubts-us-open-participation-211626778.html
I'm sure Djokovic will play UO, just come through the Southern border. Get a wild card from UO, put on a little make up and identify yourself Jay Lenovic.
Posted by: O | 07/12/2022 at 01:45 PM
They better invite Novak fast, otherwise Medvedev will run away with it.
Posted by: O | 07/12/2022 at 02:05 PM
"They better invite Novak fast, otherwise Medvedev will run away with it."
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[ You and I have just GOT TO find a way to wager on these things! ]
Our current #1 has a 2022 record thus far of 27-10.
Which means...10 losses.
To 8 different players [ twice to Nadal and twice to Hurkacz ]
Within the 10 tournaments that he has played.
Which means...he's 0-for-10 in winning a tournament this year.
And, here's the capper: Despite the fact that Novak competed in ONLY ONE of those 10 tournaments.
My considered opinion? DM is a paper tiger!
Posted by: Gary Lee | 07/12/2022 at 02:48 PM
He is a big time player, who dispatched Novak and disrupted the calendar slam, then at AO, it took a legendary effort for Rafa to stop him. Why should they take chances?
Posted by: O | 07/12/2022 at 03:11 PM
Medvedev hasn't been the same since he lost up 2 sets to love to Rafa. Of course that hernia surgery didn't help matters.
Posted by: Bettyjane | 07/12/2022 at 03:29 PM
"He is a big time player, who dispatched Novak and disrupted the calendar slam"
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I think Medvedev has been more of a BIG TIME PLAYER thus far in his career than Roberta Vinci ever was in hers...
...but, in both cases, IMO, it was WAY MORE the heavy favorite doing an all-time CHOKE JOB.
Posted by: Gary Lee | 07/12/2022 at 04:07 PM
Meanwhile Rafa will have his hands full.
Posted by: O | 07/13/2022 at 09:23 AM