Novak Djokovic’s hopes of entering the US Open are not over just yet after American health authorities opted to loosen their rules surrounding quarantine and social distancing.
The United States Government have introduced new measures set to relax Covid restrictions regarding time spent in quarantine and social distancing.
Djokovic will hope the fact that the government is open to change their rules means he could be allowed to play in the US Open. Under current rules, the Serb still cannot play in the Flushing Meadows tournament - and after his triumph at Wimbledon, Djokovic conceded he did not feel confident about his chances of competing in New York.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced they would be relaxing regulations surrounding requirements to enter the country, as well as quarantine. These changes are related to US citizens only, though.
Djokovic will therefore still not be travelling to the States for the tournament unless he receives a special exemption like the one he applied for ahead of the Australian Open in January, which proved to be famously ill-fated. The CDC have suggested more rules could be relaxed before the final Grand Slam of the season, potentially opening the door for the 35-year-old to take part.
The US travel restrictions prevent Djokovic from travelling to the country as foreigners who are not vaccinated against Covid are not allowed to enter, but new guidance has been issued by the CDC. The statement read: “This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings.
“In the coming weeks, CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update.”
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The statement also suggested that unvaccinated people will have the same guidance as those who have taken the jabs. Djokovic, who contracted Covid in 2021, is yet to take any vaccines protecting against the virus.
Djokovic - who has won the US Open on three occasions - has already missed out on preparation tournaments in North America, including in Montreal and Cincinnati. He hopes there will be a further loosening of the rules to ensure he can try and win the upcoming Grand Slam for the first time since 2018.
Djokovic’s stance against taking the vaccine has been public, and it all came to a head when he was deported from Australia following his visa fiasco.
His vaccine status has meant the Serb has struggled to play in tournaments, but he has continued to train as normal to prepare for tournaments like Wimbledon correctly.
