John McEnroe lashes out over 'bulls**t' Novak Djokovic drama
Tennis great John McEnroe has blasted the US Government over the current rules that will block Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic from competing in the last grand slam of the year.
Djokovic doesn't appear likely to take part in the US Open with current border restrictions blocking unvaccinated travellers from entering the country.
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Despite a recent change of rules for American citizens, Djokovic isn't holding out too much hope that he will take part in the year's final grand slam tournament.
And tennis great McEnroe has once again slammed the notion Djokovic can't take part in the US Open, despite unvaccinated American tennis players able to compete.
The American blasted the government for not allowing the 21-time grand slam champ from entering the country amid a relaxing of the rules last week.
“It’s BS," McEnroe said on Fox Digital.
“I think he should be allowed to play.
“My personal opinion is, I’ve been vaccinated, I’ve had a booster shot. That’s up to the individual.
“He’s won a lot more majors than me because he’s dug his heels in and found that will, that very few people in sport have ever found. That’s part of what made him so great, so he sticks to his guns.”
McEnroe later defended Djokovic and said it was his decision not to take the vaccine, but it shouldn't ban him from playing tennis.
“It’s really unfortunate. But those are the rules we have with the government," he added.
"I don’t agree with it so it’s ‘c’est la vie’ at the moment.”
Novak Djokovic granted boost ahead of US Open
US Open officials have already announced they won't be seeking any exemption for Djokovic after admitting they will follow the government's guidelines.
However, the World No.6 received a boost when the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday it was no longer recommending those not to have been inoculated quarantine upon exposure to the disease.
“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 governing body also agreed to look at guidelines around travelling within the US.
While unclear whether it meant a review for unvaccinated foreign travellers, the website stated: “CDC is reviewing this page to align with updated guidance.”
However, the US Open is only two weeks away with the tournament beginning on 29 August.
Djokovic hasn't played since the Wimbledon final against Nick Kyrgios in July, but said he was training just in case there was a rule change ahead of the final grand slam of the year.
with AAP
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