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Tennis fans left gutted over Alexander Zverev news ahead of US Open

Alexander Zverev, pictured here in the French Open semi-finals.
Alexander Zverev hasn't played since the French Open semi-finals. (Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Alexander Zverev has announced his withdrawal from the US Open as he continues his recovery from the ankle injury he suffered at the French Open.

The World No.2 hasn't played since June after tearing ligaments in his ankle in his semi-final clash with Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros.

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Earlier this month he suggested he was targeting a return at the US Open, but on Monday it was confirmed that he won't be able to play.

A statement on the official US Open website read: “2020 US Open finalist Alexander Zverev will miss the 2022 US Open.

“The 25-year-old German officially withdrew from the event on Monday as a result of a continuing ankle injury.”

Alexander Zverev, pictured here after being forced to retire hurt against Rafa Nadal at the French Open.
Alexander Zverev was forced to retire hurt against Rafa Nadal at the French Open. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Zverev made the US Open final in 2020 but lose to Dominic Thiem after leading by two sets.

He also reached the semi-finals in New York last year.

Officials announced that Zverev's place in the main draw of the August 29-September 11 grand slam will be taken by American Stefan Kozlov.

Zverev had played in 27 consecutive grand slams since his 2015 debut before the injury forced him to miss Wimbledon.

He has been named in Germany's team for the group stage of the Davis Cup finals next month.

Fans were left heartbroken for Zverev after his official withdrawal.

Novak Djokovic's participation still up in the air

Zverev might not be the only top-10 men's player absent from the year's final grand slam, with Novak Djokovic still unable to enter the United States.

Djokovic is unlikely to be able to play because of his refusal to get the Covid-19 job, with US authorities requiring all overseas visitors to be vaccinated.

The 21-time major winner was forced out of last week's Cincinnati Masters and the Montreal Open earlier this month for the same reason.

However there is a glimmer of hope for Djokovic after the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week that it was no longer recommending those not to have been vaccinated quarantine upon exposure to the disease.

Novak Djokovic and Luka Doncic, pictured here after a basketball friendly between Slovenia and Serbia.
Novak Djokovic chats with Luka Doncic after a basketball friendly between Slovenia and Serbia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) (Jurij Kodrun via Getty Images)

“Prior infection and vaccination confer some protection against severe illness, and so it really makes the most sense to not differentiate with our guidance or our recommendations based on vaccination status at this time,” said CDC scientist Dr Greta Massetti.

The CDC also said in a statement: “In the coming weeks, the CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update.”

The announcement effectively means that unvaccinated Americans are now being given the same guidance as those who are vaccinated - a change that some see as an indication that border rules will also soon be relaxed.

Meanwhile, Reilly Opelka, who won two titles earlier this year, also withdrew from the US Open Monday because of injury. The American reached the fourth round of the US Open last year.

Fellow American Jack Sock took his place in the main draw.

with agencies

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