Novak Djokovic to Return to U.S. Open After Latest COVID-19 Policy

Novak Djokovic will officially make his return to the U.S. Open after missing last year’s tournament as the United States is poised to end its COVID-19 vaccination requirement for international travelers on May 11.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion infamously is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and was prevented from playing in several tournaments in the 2022 season, including when he was deported from Australia due to his vaccination status. Djokovic also missed all the American tournaments last season, including Indian Wells, the Miami Open and the U.S. Open.

Djokovic tried to return to the United States to compete in this year’s Indian Wells and Miami Open when he applied for a vaccine exemption to enter the country, but his request was denied.

The Serbian is currently tied with Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles in tennis history with 22. Returning to Flushing Meadows gives Djokovic another chance to bring home a major trophy. In his last appearance, he competed in the final but lost to Daniil Medvedev in three straight sets.