Novak Djokovic at US Open: Vaccine change boost for world No.1

Novak Djokovic will be allowed to compete at US Open 2023 after president Joe Biden’s administration altered the country’s laws in regards to COVID-19 vaccination.

The world No.1 was unable to play at last year’s tournament at Flushing Meadows and the Australian Open because he wasn’t vaccinated against the virus.

However, the recent Australian Open winner will have the chance to win a calendar Grand Slam with his ability to participate at US Open 2023.

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Can Novak Djokovic play at US Open 2023?

Yes. The Serbian superstar will be free to compete at US Open 2023 after the U.S government decided to end all emergency COVID-19 measures from May 11.

This means Djokovic can enter the USA to play at the last major of the year, which will be held from August 28 until September 10.

However, the 35-year-old will not be able to play in the two US-based Masters 1000 events through March and April at Indian Wells and Miami.

Why was Novak Djokovic banned from last year’s US Open and Australian Open?

In a topsy-turvy 2022 that saw him win at Wimbledon, Djokovic was unable to compete at the Australian Open and US Open because of his vaccination status.

He was deported from Australia just prior to the 2022 event at Melbourne Park because he wasn’t vaccinated and then he wasn’t allowed to enter the USA for the major at Flushing Meadows for the same reason.

Who has won the most Grand Slam titles?

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Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Margaret Court currently hold the record for most Grand Slam titles in their respective singles fields. 

Nadal became the sole holder of the men’s singles record after edging past Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic with his 2022 Australian Open triumph. He then extended his lead at the French Open, before Djokovic pulled back within one at Wimbledon.

Djokovic’s triumph in the 2023 Australian Open final where he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas saw him draw level with Nadal at the top of the men’s standings.

Swiss icon Federer will not have the chance to add to his Grand Slam haul after announcing his retirement following the Laver Cup in September 2022. 

Court, meanwhile, looked set to be caught by Serena Williams but the American failed to win any of her last four Grand Slam finals and like Federer, recently retired from the sport. 

Most Grand Slam titles won by a player in men’s singles