By Ricky Dimon Less than 48 hours after getting an exemption from the Australian Open to participate in the tournament despite being unvaccinated, Novak Djokovic’s status for the first Grand Slam of 2022 endured a complete 180 on Wednesday night. It was not until now that this story completely blew up, but it had been brewing for a while. Would Djokovic be able to play at … [Read more...] about Government Overrides Tournament Exemption, Djokovic Banned From Entering Country • Leaves AO Participation in Doubt
COVID-19
Sky is Blue, Water is Wet: Djokovic Gets Medical Exemption to Play Australian Open
By Ricky Dimon An early-season piece of tennis news that is even more unsurprising than is big: Novak Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption to play the 2022 Australian Open. Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, confirmed his upcoming title defense -- as did Tennis Australia -- on Tuesday. "I've spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I'm … [Read more...] about Sky is Blue, Water is Wet: Djokovic Gets Medical Exemption to Play Australian Open
Belinda Bencic tests positive for Covid-19
Olympic tennis champion Belinda Bencic has tested positive for COVID-19 after her trip to Abu Dhabi and has "severe symptoms", she said on Tuesday, a day after Rafa Nadal announced he had also tested positive. Both players had travelled to Abu Dhabi to play in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event last week. Nadal also said he was having some "unpleasant … [Read more...] about Belinda Bencic tests positive for Covid-19
Gilles Simon Out of U.S. Open 2021 Because of Close Contact With Positive Coach, Says he Will Think About Vaccine
By Ricky Dimon The fact that the 2020 U.S. Open happened at all was a huge success, but it was held without fans and there were all kinds of coronavirus-related issues along the way. Fast forward 12 months and the Covid-19 pandemic is showing no signs of ending. Fans are allowed at Flushing Meadows this time around, but that doesn't mean the tennis world is now immune to … [Read more...] about Gilles Simon Out of U.S. Open 2021 Because of Close Contact With Positive Coach, Says he Will Think About Vaccine
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Entry to US Open
Proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all ticket holders to gain entry to the US Open. Today, the USTA was informed that the New York City Mayor’s office will be mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open. Given the continuing evolution of the Delta variant and in keeping with our … [Read more...] about Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Entry to US Open