Angry supporters of tennis maestro Novak Djokovic have refused to calm down even as the US Open kicked off on Monday (29) without the Serbian who has not taken the Covid-19 vaccine.
On Monday, a group of Djokovic's fans protested outside the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City urging the US government to end the vaccine travel mandate. Djokovic, who had a major legal trouble in Australia earlier this year and could not play the Grand Slam tournament there since he has not taken the shot, announced last week that he would not take part in the US Open for the same reason.
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Non-US citizens must provide their proof of vaccination at the time of entering the country.
Djokovic's absence caused an outrage with even the US's opposition politicians such as Senator Ted Cruz reacting to it.
On Monday, French journalist Quentin Moyent posted a tweet showing a group of Djokovic's supporters protesting the tennis venue holding banners.
'Novak's body, Novak's choice,' read one of them. Another said, 'A travel ban for unvaxxed foreigners is discrimination'.
Some also put up banners asking the Joe Biden administration to put an end to the travel mandate immediately.
In his announcement that shocked his several fans, Djokovic tweeted, "Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!"
Following his withdrawal from the Grand Slam, tournament director Stacey Allaster said in a statement, "Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-US citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open."
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