THOUSANDS SIGN PETITION TO ALLOW DJOKOVIC TO COMPETE IN US OPEN
An online petition on change.org calling for Novak Djokovic to compete in the 2022 US Open has been signed by more than 12 000 people.
The aim of the petition is for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the United States Government to give Djokovic permission to enter the country.
The Serb is unable to enter the country due to nationwide rules that require travellers to the country to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
“There is absolutely no reason at this stage of the pandemic to now allow Djokovic to play at the US Open 2022. US Government and USTA must work together to allow him to play. If unvaccinated American players can play, Djokovic as one of the legends of the game must be allowed to play. MAKE IT HAPPEN, USTA!”, the petition said.
After being deported from Australia earlier this year and not being able to defend his title at the Australian Open, Djokovic told the BBC that he would be willing to miss tournaments to maintain his unvaccinated status.
Because of that decision he has missed out on tournaments like the Miami Open and Indian Wells, both based in the US.
He has however managed to compete at the French Open and Wimbledon where he beat Nick Kyrgios in the final.
Image credit: Marca