"What a laughable display" - Dutch politician on Novak Djokovic potentially not being allowed to play US Open

Pretty much like in January during the 2022 Australian Open, the entire world is divided once again with regard to the unvaccinated status of 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. This time even politicans have entered the discussion, including Thierry Baudet of the Netherlands.

The US government recently announced fresh pandemic guidelines for foreign travelers. A few restrictions have been lifted; international travelers are no longer be required to submit a negative test report. However, the rule for foreigners to show proof of vaccination against coronavirus to enter the US still stands.

This means that Djokovic, who has not taken the COVID-19 vaccine and doesn't plan to do so either, could miss yet another Major tournament.

The 2022 US Open is set to begin on August 29 this year. Unless the rules are changed by then, Djokovic's only hope is to get a special exemption.

But the event organizers, the United States Tennis Association (USTA), have already refused to seek exemptions from the government for unvaccinated players.

On Friday, Dutch politician Thierry Baudet took to Twitter to strongly criticize the Joe Biden government, calling the entire episode a 'laughable display'.

"What a laughable display, if it were not so sad! Djokovic will not be allowed to participate in the US Open because he did not take his corona shots well. Grandpa Biden's American Rules. United States of China." Baudet wrote.

In January, one day before the Australian Open began, Djokovic was deported after failing to get an exemption from the authorities. Hence, he could not defend his title Down Under.

Although the Serb was one of the favorites to win Roland Garros this year, he lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Rafael Nadal. That said, Djokovic is the clear favorite to lift his seventh Wimbledon title next month, given that he has won the previous three editions.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to play an exhibition event before Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have not played any other grass-court tournaments.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have confirmed their presence at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club, an exhibition event to be held from June 21 to 26. Neither of the two top players has participated in any grasscourt tournaments before Wimbledon and hence, the exhibition tournament will act as a warm-up event for them.

This will also be the first time that 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal will play since his triumph in Paris earlier this month. Other players who will play alongside Djokovic and Nadal are Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Lleyton Hewitt and Xavier Malisse.