Novak Djokovic at US Open: America relaxes Covid-19 rules – but 21-time Grand Slam champion faces travel wait

Novak Djokovic’s participation at the US Open remains unclear, although the situation could change following the latest amendments to Covid-19 rules in the country.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is responsible for the health and safety of US residents, has issued new guidance relaxing rules regarding social distancing and quarantine.

The CDC has not as yet updated its travel advice, which currently states that all non-US citizens and nationals must be fully vaccinated before entering the country, although its website does state that this is under review following the latest update.

A 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.”

In June, the CDC said that it “will no longer require air passengers travelling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative Covid-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from Covid-19 before they board their flight.”

The rules have also meant he has missed the start of the North American swing and the events ahead of the final major of the year at Flushing Meadows, which begins on August 29.

In June, the USTA stated: “Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men’s and women’s singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event.

“The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens.”

“I’m not going to go to America if I don’t have permission, so the Australian saga for me was not pleasant at all,” he said in July.

“I have my stance and I am a proponent for freedom to choose what is best for you. I respect everything and everybody, and I expect people to at least respect my decision.

“If I have permission, I’ll be there. If I don’t, I won’t be there – it’s not the end of the world.”

– – –