Picture Credit: Twitter
Serbian tennis star and former World No.1 Novak Djokovic is hopeful of competing at the US Open despite the current stricter regulations in place that bars him from entering the country. The Serbian had been included in the entry list which makes him hopeful of getting a chance to compete at the final Grand Slam of the year. Notably, Djokovic missed the Australian Open after he refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion, who recently won the Wimbledon title, shared a video of him practicing and wrote a long caption thanking fans for their support. Djokovic then hoped for competing in the tournament as he wrote “I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to US," Novak Djokovic said in a post on Instagram along with a video of him practising. "Fingers crossed!"
Notably, earlier this month, the 35-year-old was included in the entry list for the Aug. 29-Sept. 11 Grand Slam in New York. However, it's still unclear if he will be able to participate in the competition or not. As of now, Novak Djokovic can't participate at this year's US Open due to current rules under which travelers seeking to enter the US have to be fully vaccinated and provide proof before boarding flights.
It feels special: Djokovic
While talking about the love and support Novak Djokovic has received over the last few weeks, the Serbian said it feels special. Notably, more than 43,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to work with the US government to allow 21-time major champion, Novak Djokovic, to compete in the US Open.
“I just wanted to take a moment and say to all of you how grateful I am to see so many messages of support and love from all around the world these days. I wasn’t expecting it, and that’s why it feels so mind blowing. Just wanted to say THANK YOU. It feels special that people connect with my tennis career in such a loving and supportive way and wish for me to continue to compete.