Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the US Open, with America's current Covid restrictions preventing requiring foreigners to be vaccinated in order to enter the country.
Djokovic has been outspoken about not wanting to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and that means he will not be able to travel to Flushing Meadows this year. In a statement on social media, Djokovic wrote: "Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open.
"Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players!
"I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!"
Djokovic made the announcement with less than two hours to go before the US Open draw and his withdrawal will be a major boost for rival Rafael Nadal.
The Spaniard has won a record 22 Grand Slam singles titles during his storied career, while Djokovic has won 21. And his absence from the US Open hands Nadal a golden opportunity to win a 23rd Grand Slam.
Djokovic had been hoping America would loosen their restrictions and allow unvaccinated foreigners to enter the country, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their guidance on Wednesday and did not change that rule.
As a result, Djokovic has admitted defeat in his bid to compete at the final Grand Slam of the year, having also missed the Australian Open due to his vaccination status. He did play at the French Open, where he was knocked out by Nadal in the quarter-finals, and at Wimbledon, where he beat Nick Kyrgios to win the tournament for the seventh time in his career.
Djokovic's next scheduled event is the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage, which is set to take place just a week after the US Open concludes in September. Djokovic will be in action for Serbia, which entered as a wildcard after Russia were banned from competing due to the invasion of Ukraine.
