Novak Djokovic, 21-time Grand Slam champion, will officially be ruled out of the US Open if he fails to get vaccinated.

The news comes after the United States Tennis Association (USTA) released a statement yesterday on the vaccination mandates, for the upcoming tournament.

“Per the Grand Slam rulebook, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men’s and women’s singles main-draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event.”

The US Open said that despite not having their own vaccination mandate, they will follow the guidelines implemented for international travellers by the US Government.

Although the reigning Wimbledon champion is automatically permitted to play next month because of his ATP ranking, the United States international vaccination policy requires travellers to show proof of vaccination.

If Djokovic chooses not to get vaccinated, it would significantly impact his hopes of becoming the most successful male tennis player in Open era history. The world number seven is one win away from being tied with the current world number three Rafael Nadal.

An online petition has been started by a fan in pursuit of allowing the triple US Open winner to compete at Flushing Meadows. Over 20,000 people have signed the petition.

“There is absolutely no reason at this stage of the pandemic to not allow Djokovic to play at the US Open…[The] US Government and USTA must work together to allow him to play…MAKE IT HAPPEN, USTA,” said petition organiser Padma Rajan.

The first round of the US Open begins on 29 August.

Photo: Novak Djokovic Queen’s Club 2018 by Carine06 available HERE and used under a Creative Commons licence. This photo has not been modified.