Tennis: World number one Novak Djokovic able to play at US Open as vaccine mandate set to end

World number one Novak Djokovic will be able to compete at the USOpen this year after the USgovernment said on Monday it will end its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travellers on May 11.

Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against COVID-19, missed the USOpen in 2022 due to his vaccinationstatus. The 35-year-old Serb was unable to enter the country this year after unsuccessfully applying to the USgovernment for special permission to play at Indian Wells and Miami. Djokovic missed last year's Australian Open and was deported from the country due to his vaccinationstatus and has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID-19 shot.

Djokovic has won three of his 22 major titles at the USOpen. The hardcourt Grand Slam will be held from Aug28-Sept10 this year.