US Open: Protesters back Novak Djokovic, urge end of mandate

Djokovic was not allowed to travel to the United States for the US Open because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Novak Djokovic lost the US Open men’s singles final in 2021 to Daniil Medvedev in New York. | Photo Credit: AP

A small group of demonstrators chanting “Novak! Novak!” outside the entrance of the US Open urged an end of the vaccine travel mandate that kept Novak Djokovic from competing in this year’s tournament.

Djokovic, who is from Serbia, was not allowed to travel to the United States because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. He was able to compete during the previous two editions of the US Open held during the pandemic, but the current vaccine requirement began last Nov. 8.

Members of Families are Essential and Children’s Health Defence & Teachers for Choice were among the demonstrators, standing behind signs that read “End The Travel Mandate Now!”