Novak Djokovic given US Open reprieve after Covid vaccination rule change

Tennis star had missed last year’s tournament due to unvaccinated status
AFP via Getty Images

Novak Djokovic has been cleared to play at this year’s US Open following an upcoming change to Covid-19 vaccination rules for travellers.

Djokovic has not been able to play in the United States since the US Government made it compulsory for non-American travellers into the country to have had the Covid vaccine.

The 35-year-old missed last year’s US Open and also was absent from the recent run of hardcourt tournaments in the States over his unvaccinated status.

But the rules will change from May 12 meaning that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has been given the all clear to compete at Flushing Meadows come the tournament in August.

A statement from the White House said: “Today, we are announcing that the administration will end the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for federal employees, federal contractors and international air travellers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day the Covid-19 public emergency ends.”

Djokovic had previously, unsuccessfully, requested special permission to enter the US unvaccinated in order to compete.

He was given the all clear to compete at the Australian Open at the start of this year, 12 months on from being deported from the country over his unvaccinated status.

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