Aussie tennis player's shock announcement amid Novak Djokovic drama
Aussie tennis star John Millman has questioned why Novak Djokovic can't enter the US to play the final grand slam of the year after revealing he is out after contracting Covid-19.
Djokovic has admitted it is unlikely he will play the US Open this year with current border restrictions blocking unvaccinated travellers from entering the country.
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The World No.6 has resigned himself to missing the year's final grand slam, but has been preparing in case there is a rule change or he is granted an exemption.
While the issue has divided residents of the US and tennis fans around the world Millman has now weighed in on the drama.
The World No.76 said he couldn't compete at the Los Cabos Open because he was out with Covid.
But having spent time in the US during the hard court season, Millman said he can't work out why unvaccinated travellers can't enter the country given what he's seen.
"I’m out with covid. I was just in the states and it didn’t really feel like too many were following any recommendations or guidelines there," he wrote on Twitter.
"Which is fine, but therefore I can’t see then why Novak Djokovic can’t come and compete."
Millman then clarified his comment after being bombarded with replies.
"Let me be clear. If everyone in the country was following guidelines then I’m all for them enforcing a vax entry policy," he added.
"But from what I saw pretty much no one was, the tournament allows non vax citizens to play and only 30% have had a booster."
I’m out with covid. I was just in the states and it didn’t really feel like too many were following any recommendations or guidelines there. Which is fine, but therefore I can’t see then why @DjokerNole can’t come and compete.
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 3, 2022
Let me be clear. If everyone in the country was following guidelines then I’m all for them enforcing a vax entry policy. But from what I saw pretty much no one was, the tournament allows non vax citizens to play and only 30% have had a booster.. https://t.co/hU6I8XVdcZ
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 3, 2022
American reporter Ben Rothenberg replied and said he didn't think there was a non-vaccinated American tennis player that would be close to qualifying for the grand slam.
Therefore, Rothenberg said the rule only becomes a talking point for one individual.
Could be wrong, but I'm not sure there's a non-vaxxed US citizen player whose ranking gets them anywhere near the US Open field currently? This remains an issue for one individual.
And FWIW, media has to show proof of vaccination to get our credentials for US Open.— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 4, 2022
Earlier this month, 35-year-old Djokovic was included in the entry list for the August 29-September 11 grand slam in New York.
Djokovic took to social media to tell his fans he was preparing in case he was granted an exemption.
"I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to US," Djokovic said in a post on Instagram along with a video of him practising.
"Fingers crossed!"
John Isner defends Novak Djokovic over US Open saga
Millman isn't the only player to question the US border restrictions.
American John Isner has also jumped to the 21-time grand slam champion's defence.
The towering American star responded to a tweet asking if any players were actively urging the US government to allow Djokovic to play.
"Yes. Complete lunacy he can't compete as of now."
Yes. Complete lunacy he can’t compete as of now. #science
— John Isner (@JohnIsner) August 3, 2022
After winning Wimbledo last month, Djokovic reaffirmed that he wouldn't be getting vaccinated in order to play tennis.
"I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption," Djokovic said.
"I don't know. I don't think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don't know what exemption would be about.
"I don't know. I don't have much answers there."
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