McEnroe backs Djokovic’s call on US to change mind over vaccines
Djokovic, 35, did not play in the Australian Open earlier this year after his vaccine exception was denied
As Novak Djokovic waved to the crowd following his seventh Wimbledon title victory, tennis analyst John McEnroe argued that the 21-time Grand Slam champion should be allowed to play in the US Open despite his COVID-19 vaccination status.
Djokovic, 35, did not play in the Australian Open earlier this year after his vaccine exception was denied. He was later deported from the country.
Now he may not get the opportunity to compete for his 22nd championship as non-US citizens who are unvaccinated cannot enter the country.
When ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler commented on Djokovic likely not getting to participate in the US Open this September, McEnroe called the situation "ridiculous."
"These politicians are getting in the way too much. They did it in Australia. Let's let the guy come in and play in the U.S. I mean come on. This is ridiculous," McEnroe said. "But I don't make those decisions. I hope someone makes the right one and allows him to play. That's my personal opinion.
"You can agree to be tested. I don't know. There's gotta be a way around this, but we'll wait and see. That's not what it's about right now."
Djokovic has previously expressed that he has no desire to get vaccinated, even if it means he would have to miss the tournament on American soil, according to Eurosport.
"As of today, I am not allowed to enter the states under these circumstances," Djokovic said. "I am aware of that and that is an extra motivation to do well here, and hopefully I can have a very good tournament as I have done in the last three editions.
"Then I will just have to wait and see. I would love to go to the states. But, as of today, that is not possible. There is not much I can do anymore. It is up to the U.S. government to make a decision whether or not they allow the unvaccinated people to go into the country."
