Picture Credit: Twitter
After three-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic was denied entry to the United States because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19, a small group of demonstrators, who seemed to be the Serb's fans, held a protest on Monday demanding an end to the vaccination travel mandate.
The demonstrators including Members of Families are Essential and Children's Health Defense & Teachers for Choice displayed signboards that read "End The Travel Mandate Now!"
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic participated in the last two US Open editions during the pandemic as the current vaccine mandate began on November 8, 2021. The 21-time Grand Slam winner announced his withdrawal from the year’s last Grand Slam tournament on Twitter on Thursday. Earlier, Djokovic missed the Australian Open in January due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19.
The day 1 action from the US Open 2022 will see the likes of 23-time singles grand slam winner Serena Williams, men's defending champion Daniil Medvedev, and former champion Andy Murray among others.
The World No. 3 and record 22-time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal will begin his US Open 2022 campaign against Rinky Hijikata of Australia on August 31.