Defending Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has blasted the double standards of the United States' Covid-19 vaccination requirements.
The Grand Slam champ was infamously deported from Australia earlier this year over his anti-vaccination stance, and it looks like that same stance could prevent him from competing in the US Open.
The US Open is allowing unvaccinated American players to compete, however, US laws currently prevent unvaccinated people from entering the country.
So no-vax equals no Novak.
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The 35-year-old also reiterated his vaccination stance earlier this week, with a simple one-word answer.
When asked if he had closed off his mind to being vaccinated, he replied: “Yes.”
He has now slammed the United States for their double standards in allowing some non ‘famous’ unvaccinated people into the country whilst American players can compete at the tournament regardless so their vaccination status.
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Djokovic told Serbian media, as reported by Tennis Majors: “No unvaccinated people can enter the USA as of this moment.
“I did hear unofficially that some people got away with it, some people who are not ‘famous’, but I would never even try to go to the USA if it is not allowed.
“Some people think that I made that mistake in Australia, but it was the contrary in fact – I had the exemption etc, let’s not go over the same story again.
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“Bottom line is if I am told that I cannot go, I won’t go, I would never put myself in such a position. Even if I get in, they would see me on TV playing tennis and pick me up.”
Meanwhile, high-profile unvaccinated American player Tennys Sandgren slammed the USTA for not fighting for an exemption for Novak, pointing out the hypocrisy in him being permitted to play while Novak isn’t.
Djokovic thanks Sandgren for his support while also condemning the ruling from the United States.
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He continued: “I don’t see the medical logic behind it, that Tennys can play because he is a citizen of the USA and I cannot. If I had a US passport or a green card, I would be able to play. Maybe there is a political logic behind it – not medical – but I would rather not get into that and you can understand why.”
Djokovic defeated Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round at Wimbledon and will face fellow Serbian Serb Miomir in the next round.
He is hoping to defend his title and become a seven-time Wimbledon champion.
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Tennis, US Open, Wimbledon, Australia
Jayden Collins