Novak Djokovic can’t play in US tournaments due to unvaccinated status

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic said he will not compete at U.S. tournaments because he’s not vaccinated.
• CDC guidelines prevent non-U.S. citizens from entering the country if they are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Despite missing the BNP Paribas Open in California and the Miami Open, Djokovic still has no plans to get the shots.

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic announced Wednesday that he will not compete at tennis tournaments in the United States due to his unvaccinated status.

Citing regulations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Serbian tennis player tweeted that he will not be able to travel to the US. The CDC bans non-U.S. citizens from traveling to the country if they are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The 20 Grand Slam tennis champion won’t compete at the Indian Wells Open (also known as BNP Paribas Open) in California and the Miami Open in the Sunshine State.

“I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel,” Djokovic tweeted. “The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US.”

The BNP Paribas Open in Indiana Wells began March 7 and runs until March 20, while the Miami Open will begin on March 21.

In January, Djokovic was booted from the Australian Open after local authorities detained him. He was deported for violating Australia’s requirement to be vaccinated to enter the country.

Djokovic had gained entry by submitting a prior COVID-19 test showing he had recovered from the virus. He tested positive for COVID-19 in December.

Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open.

The 34-year-old athlete said In February that he would not get vaccinated even if it means not competing at tournaments, such as the French Open or Wimbledon. Djokovic said it was a “price I’m willing to pay.”

“Based on all the information that I got, I decided not to take the vaccine, as of today,” Djokovic said during a BBC interview. “I understand the consequences of my decision.”

Source: New York Post