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Published: 17:15, July 20, 2022
Petition to allow Djokovic to play US Open nears 12,000 signatures
By Reuters
Published:17:15, July 20, 2022 By Reuters

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates defeating Tim van Rijthoven of the Netherlands during a men's fourth round singles match on day seven of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 3, 2022. (KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH / AP)

Almost 12,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the United States Tennis Association to work with the country's government to allow Novak Djokovic to compete in the US 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 travelers seeking to enter the US have to be fully vaccinated and provide proof before boarding flights

Djokovic will not be able to participate in the year's final Grand Slam due to current rules under which travelers 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.  

READ MORE: Djokovic opens exhibition tennis tournament in Bosnia

"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!"

READ MORE: Djokovic in seventh heaven after starring role in Kyrgios Show

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 US Open begins on Aug 29.


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