(Photo by PEDJA MILOSAVLJEVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal from the US Open due to his unvaccinated status for COVID-19

Current Covid rules require travelers to show proof of full vaccination to board flights to enter the United States and Novak was unvaccinated.

The US Open organizers had left Novak Djokovic out of all of their billboards and promos

“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,” Djokovic wrote on Twitter

“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!”

Novak Djokovic was not eligible to travel to the United States due to Covid protocols as it required him to be vaccinated.

A lucky loser will replace Djokovic in the draw, which will be released later Thursday. The main draw will be played from 29 August-11 September.

A 21-time grand slam champion, Novak Djokovic has won the US Open tournament three times in 2011, 2015, and 2018.

The US Tennis Association has been firm on its stand regarding Covid Vaccination.

Foreign citizens will not be allowed currently unable to enter the U.S or Canada, and Djokovic has said he won’t get the shots, even if that prevents him from playing in certain tournaments.

Djokovic missed the Australian Open in January after a legal drama ended with his deportation from that country because he isn’t vaccinated against COVID-19.

He was also out of four significant tournaments in North America in 2022, including in Montreal and Cincinnati recently.

Novak Djokovic impressive tennis record this season

Djokovic owns a 23-5 record this season, including title runs at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome and Wimbledon. 

US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said in a statement: “Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open.”

Novak Djokovic faces the danger of dropping further down in the ATP rankings

The lack of appearances by Djokovic has resulted in him dropping down to No. 6 in the ATP rankings, having started the year as the World’s No. 1

The US Open withdrawal could see him go down even below depending upon the performance of other athletes.

Novak Djokovic is likely to be placed at No. 9 with 3570 points.

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