Florida Governor Rob DeSantis has been the latest to publicly criticize the American rule that has prevented Novak Djokovic from entering the United States and competing at the US Open. Djokovic, 35, has not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Under current US vaccination laws, unvaccinated foreigners cannot enter the country. “They don’t let Djokovic come to the United States to play the US Open because of the vaccine? He has already had Covid, and the vaccine does not prevent him from doing it.
It’s so weird, it’s so stupid,” DeSantis said. After missing the Australian Open earlier in the season, Djokovic also misses out on the final Grand Slam of the season. Djokovic was waiting until the last moment for the CDC to change the rules and allow him to enter the United States, but it did not happen.
After Djokovic withdrew from the US Open, American Tennys Sandgren accused the USTA of “not even trying to help Djokovic get in.” The USTA reacted shortly after being contacted by Tennis Majors. In a statement to the Tennis Majors, the USTA said they couldn’t have asked for a waiver for Djokovic even if they wanted to.
“The USTA was in regular contact with various departments of the United States Federal Government, including the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Control, and the Department of State,” the statement said.
Nole Djokovic comments on Serena
Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Serena Williams in light of her retirement with some kind words for the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion. “My probably favorite memory of us together is winning Wimbledon and then dancing at the champions’ dinner,” Djokovic said in a video shared by the ATP tour.
“It was a blast, it was one of the best moments I had on the tour with you. Thank you so much for everything you have done for our beautiful sport,” the Serbian player said. “Your contribution and your legacy on and off the court will live forever.
I value and cherish our relationship that goes on for many years and I was hoping that this moment will never arrive when you announced your retirement, and here we are. You can be very very proud of what you have achieved and what you left behind.
You have inspired so many different generations, not only tennis players but athletes around the world,” Djokovic added. Djokovic will not be able to play a Grand Slam again until May 2023. After being kicked out of Australia, Djokovic was also handed a three-year ban from the country.
