US Open: Novak Djokovic backed by John McEnroe
Novak Djokovic will probably miss the US Open due to his lack of vaccination against the corona virus. John McEnroe cannot understand this.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Aug 24, 2022, 07:16 pm
It has been the dominant topic in tennis for days: Can Novak Djokovic take part in the US Open or not? According to the current legal situation, the 35-year-old is not allowed to enter the USA due to his lack of vaccination against the corona virus. Thus, after the Australian Open, the Serb is already in danger of missing the second Grand Slam tournament of the year.
In the run-up to the US Open, US legend John McEnroe also commented on this cause. "I don't think that's fair. I think it's a joke," the 63-year-old told media on Tuesday. "The idea that he can't travel here to play is a joke to me. "
McEnrore would have taken the trick
However, McEnroe did not want to completely relieve the 21-time major champion of responsibility: "I would have had myself vaccinated to play here, but Djokovic has very strong principles and you have to respect that." The long-standing world number one had recently emphasized that he did not want to be vaccinated in the future either.
At the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal knew how to take advantage of the Serb's absence and win his second title in Melbourne. "Of course Rafael Nadal benefited from that. If a guy won the Australian Open nine times, you would think he missed a chance," said McEnroe, referring to Djokovic. It's quite possible that a similar scenario will also happen on August 29th beginning US Open occurs.