Entry into the USA: Novak Djokovic before uncertain late summer
Novak Djokovic will leave the top 5 in the world rankings for the first time since 2018 after Wimbledon. However, the Serbs face bigger problems in the weeks after the classic lawn game.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jun 15, 2022, 08:07 pm
Novak Djokovic took the time he needed. Time to digest the bitter quarter-final loss to long-time rival Rafael Nadal that the Serb suffered in his first Grand Slam appearance of the year. Another setback in what has been such a difficult season so far for Novak Djokovic. For the man who was able to win three major tournaments last year.
And the streak of bad luck doesn't want to end for the man from Belgrade. With the deletion of the points for Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic will fall further behind in the world rankings, the 2000 points for last year's title will drop the Serb from the rankings without replacement - Djokovic will leave the top 5 in the world rankings after the third major event of the year. And for the first time in almost exactly four years.
Djokovic is - as of now - not allowed to go to the USA
Not the only problem that the 35-year-old has to deal with at the moment. As of now, Novak Djokovic will not be allowed to enter the United States in late summer due to his vaccination status - which not only shakes the US Open for the 20-time major winner, but also a number of opportunities to write in terms of world ranking points could be lost .
Although the USA has recently eased its entry regulations slightly, neither a negative COVID-19 test nor a notice of recovery are required for entry, but vaccination against the coronavirus remains mandatory. And Novak Djokovic simply doesn't have that. However, this did not have any negative side effects at the tournaments in Europe.
Djokovic chases Nadal
In the worst case, Novak Djokovic could soon be out of the top 10 in the world rankings - 1200 points for the final at the last major event of the year could drop the Serb from the ranking if entry is refused. And - this can already be heard from the USTA today - they will not apply for an exemption for Djokovic. A procedure that turned out to be less than successful in Australia.
Novak Djokovic could lose further ground in what is most important to him - the race for the most Grand Slam titles. The Serb is behind there with two titles, Nadal seems to be on the way to a better physical constitution after successful therapy on his foot - if you follow statements by Toni Nadal on the sidelines of the Boss Open in Stuttgart. Which undoubtedly makes him one of the favorites in Wimbledon, but especially at the US Open.