Novak Djokovic hopeful about U.S. Open participation

Djokovic is a three-time U.S. Open champion. Peter van den Berg

Novak Djokovic hopeful about U.S. Open: 'I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete'

By Adam Stites | Last updated 7/30/22

Novak Djokovic has been barred from participating at the 2022 U.S. Open due to his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but he's hoping the rules will change before the tournament begins next month.

"I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to US," Djokovic said Saturday on social media.

I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to US. Fingers crossed! https://t.co/cIDfdPtZ5t
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) July 30, 2022

Djokovic, 35, is a three-time U.S. Open champion, but there hasn't been any indication that the vaccine requirements will change and allow him to try for a fourth title. After his Wimbledon win earlier in July, Djokovic told reporters that he's "not planning to get vaccinated" and sounded resigned to the probability that he'd sit out the last tournament of the Grand Slam slate.

For now, Djokovic is on the entry list for the tournament, a formality based on players eligible through rankings. The Serbian tennis star is currently ranked seventh as his Wimbledon victory didn't count toward the ATP rankings.

The U.S. Open is set to begin Aug. 29 in New York City.

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