US Open: Big boost to Novak Djokovic's participation after USA confirms changes to COVID norms

Just few weeks before the commencement of the US Open 2022 edition, which will be the last Grand Slam tournamentof the year, there is good news for Novak Djokovic and his ardent fans. The unvaccinated Djokovic's participation in the forthcoming showpiece event, in theFlushing Meadows, has received a big boost after USA confirmed changes to the Covid rules.

The American authorities have decided they will not discriminate between those who have taken the COVID jab and those who are yet to. Thus, this will pave way toallow the 2022 Wimbledon champion Djokovicto take part in the mega event, which will get underway onAugust 29. The Serbian has remained firm on his stance of not taking the Covid vaccine, which had also resulted in him being sent back to his home country from Australia for the 2022 Australian Openearly this year.

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Despite the change brought forward, the US Open organisers haven'tyetofficially announced the development. Nonetheless,it is now certainthat Djokovic will be part ofthe actionin New York, spanning from August 29-September 11.

On Thursday (August 11), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -- an agency that governs health measures in the the country-- put anend to many of the COVID restrictions, including that the vaccinated and unvaccinated people will now be given the same treatment nationwide.

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It is to be noted that theCDC isyet to updateits travel advice,whichcurrently statesthat all non-US citizens and nationals have to be fully vaccinated before enteringUSA. However,its website does mention that this is under review in the aftermath of the latest update.

A statement read: "This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks, CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update."

Russia's Daniil Medvedev is the defending champion in this year's US Open. Djokovic had lost last year's final in straight sets to the Russian.