The 21-time Major champion Novak Djokovic will have to withdraw from the upcoming US Open. A three-time winner in New York still can not enter the United States due to his vaccination status, and the updated CDC rules confirm that. Novak is yet to withdraw from the season’s last Major, although he does not have other options, as nothing will change in the next couple of days. Thus, Djokovic will miss the second Major of the season after being deported from Australia in January following a ten-day saga over his visa. The Serb claimed the 21st Major title at Wimbledon in July, passing Roger Federer and moving one Major crown behind Rafael Nadal. Still, Novak will have to wait until 2023 to increase his Major tally. Djokovic has reached nine US Open finals since 2007, lifting three trophies and experiencing six losses, including the last year’s one.
Novak Djokovic will almost certainly miss the US Open.
Novak was a player to beat at Majors in 2021, conquering the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He matched Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Major titles and sought ultimate glory in New York. Lacking matches and not playing at his best, Djokovic claimed six victories to reach the US Open final and move a win away from writing history books. Nonetheless, Daniil Medvedev proved too strong on that historic night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, beating Novak 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 for his first Major crown at 25. The Russian hit 38 winners and 31 unforced errors and left the Serb behind. Medvedev claimed the opening two sets with two breaks and earned a couple in the third to cross the finish line and join tennis immortals.
Daniil barely lost a point on serve in the opener and grabbed a break in the first game for an instant lead. Medvedev controlled his games superbly and held in the tenth for 6-4 and a boost ahead of the second set. Djokovic wasted five break chances at the beginning of the second set and paid the price soon after. Daniil broke him at 2-2 and produced three comfortable holds to forge a 6-4, 6-4 advantage and move closer to the finish line. With nothing working his way, Djokovic experienced breaks in the third set’s games one and three to find himself 4-0 down and miles away from the desired title. Making one last push, Novak saved a match point at 2-5 and scored his first break of the encounter to extend his chances. The Serb held in game nine to move 4-5 behind before Daniil sealed the deal with a hold at 30 a few minutes later. The Russian will be the top seed in New York next week ahead of Rafael Nadal.