Djokovic still not allowed in the USA despite an easing

It’s no surprise, but it’s now official: Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Masters 1000 taking place next week. The rules in force in the United States do not allow non-vaccinated people to enter the territory.

The Serb’s forfeit came as the United States Center of Disease Control issued new guidelines regarding unvaccinated people in the United States: no changes regarding the right to enter the country without being vaccinated.

The changes relate to the cancellation of quarantine for people who have been exposed to the virus, and the cancellation of differentiation, in the directives, between vaccinated and non-vaccinated.

Currently, Djokovic is therefore still unable to travel to the United States (for the same reasons, he could not go to Canada this week to compete in the Masters 1000 in Montreal).

The man with 21 Grand Slam titles is now 6th in the world. Due, in particular, to his controversial exclusion from the Australian Open – of which he was defending champion – in January, and the fact that his coronation at Wimbledon did not bring him any points. In reaction to the tournament’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players following the invasion of Ukraine, the ATP withdrew the allocation of points to the London Major.

Pending a possible change in regulations, Novak Djokovic still hopes to be able to participate in l’US Openwhose main draw begins on August 29.

At the moment, the Belgrader’s next court appearance is scheduled for London, alongside Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud as part of Team Europe in the Laver Cup from 23 september.