“Why would any country make an exception for a tennis player?” Novak Djokovic is facing backlash from fans after expressing his will to play the US Open despite not being vaccinated

Today, Novak Djokovic posted a heartfelt thank you message to his Instagram followers for their unwavering support as he fights for a spot at the US Open in 2022. The Serb said he’s always grateful for the love and support he’s received from devoted followers who have come to see him perform at Flushing Meadows next month.

The 21-time Grand Slam winner is currently barred from entering the United States due to current regulations that only allow fully immunized visitors. The world No. 7 will not be able to compete in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati in the third week of August alongside the New York Major.

It should be noted that Djokovic’s name is now included on the list of entrants for the US Open. Competition organizers made it clear that they would be following government regulations and therefore would not be applying for a special Therapeutic Use Exemption for the former world No. 1 like they had done for her Australian Open.

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“It feels so overwhelming” Fans react to heartfelt message from Novak Djokovic on Twitter

In a message to his fans, the 35-year-old revealed that he never expected so many fans to be so deeply affected by the issue and that it felt “amazing” to see the support they were sending him.