Petition to allow Djokovic to play U.S. Open nears 12,000 signatures
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 [July 20, 2022] (Reuters)
- Almost 12,000 people have signed an
online petition calling for the United States Tennis Association (USTA)
to work with the country's government to allow Novak Djokovic to
compete in the U.S. Open despite his refusal to take the COVID-19
vaccine.
Djokovic will not be able to participate in the year's final Grand
Slam due to current rules under which travellers seeking to enter
the United States have to be fully vaccinated and provide proof
before boarding flights.
The 21-times major champion won the Australian Open, French Open and
Wimbledon titles in 2021 but was unable to defend his Melbourne Park
crown this year after being deported from Australia over his
vaccination status in January.
"There is absolutely no reason at this stage of the pandemic to not
allow Djokovic to play at the U.S. Open 2022," said the change.org
petition, which was launched on June 21.
"(The) US Government and USTA must work together to allow him to
play ... MAKE IT HAPPEN, USTA!"
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Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic performs during the opening of
a regional tennis centre that will prepare top tennis players for
major tournaments, in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina July 13, 2022.
REUTERS/Dado Ruvic
The Serb, who retained his Wimbledon crown with a
win over Australia's Nick Kyrgios earlier this month, in February
said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments rather than take
the COVID-19 vaccine.
The main draw at the U.S. Open begins on Aug. 29.
(Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
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