Petition demanding Novak Djokovic be allowed to play in US Open despite anti-vax beliefs nears 12,000 signatures
- Serb has repeatedly refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and said he would miss grand slam events rather than do so
- US rules currently mean travellers must show proof of getting jab before they can enter the country
Almost 12,000 people have signed an online petition demanding tennis bosses work with the country’s government to allow Novak Djokovic to play in the US Open, despite his refusal to take a Covid-19 vaccine.
The Serb will not be able to compete in the year’s final grand slam because the United States requires travellers to be fully vaccinated and provide proof before boarding flights.
Djokovic won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles last year, but was unable to defend his Melbourne Park crown this time around 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 US 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!”
Djokovic, who retained his Wimbledon crown with a win over Australia’s Nick Kyrgios earlier this month, said in February that he was prepared to miss grand slam tournaments rather than be vaccinated.
The main draw at the US Open begins on August 29.