Novak Djokovic concedes defeat and withdraws from US Open to give Rafael Nadal big advantage
The world number 6 had held out in hopes that the US government would ease restrictions and allow unvaccinated foreign nationals to travel to the country after recently promising to review the rules "in the coming weeks". After allowing unvaccinated people inside the United States the same freedoms as those who are vaccinated earlier this month, the CDC released a statement saying, "In the coming weeks, the CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for health care settings, grouping higher risk settings for transmission, and travel."
But on Wednesday, the CDC reviewed the section of its website listing travel restrictions for unvaccinated non-US citizens and did not change the rule that they were barred from entering the country. With just four days to go, Djokovic decided he had no time left to make it to the US Open in time and pulled out - which will be good news for Nadal.
The Spaniard currently leads the Grand Slam race with 22 titles to his name, with Djokovic on 21. And the Serbian won't be able to catch his rival while being sidelined at the US Open while Nadal now has the chance to shoot further if he can win a record 23rd men's major singles title at Flushing Meadows.
DON'T MISS: Nick Kyrgios' US Open hopes assessed by former Wimbledon champion The truth has never been clearer says ANGELA EPSTEIN [OPINION]
The world number 6 had held out in hopes that the US government would ease restrictions and allow unvaccinated foreign nationals to travel to the country after recently promising to review the rules "in the coming weeks". After allowing unvaccinated people inside the United States the same freedoms as those who are vaccinated earlier this month, the CDC released a statement saying, "In the coming weeks, the CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for health care settings, grouping higher risk settings for transmission, and travel."
But on Wednesday, the CDC reviewed the section of its website listing travel restrictions for unvaccinated non-US citizens and did not change the rule that they were barred from entering the country. With just four days to go, Djokovic decided he had no time left to make it to the US Open in time and pulled out - which will be good news for Nadal.
The Spaniard currently leads the Grand Slam race with 22 titles to his name, with Djokovic on 21. And the Serbian won't be able to catch his rival while being sidelined at the US Open while Nadal now has the chance to shoot further if he can win a record 23rd men's major singles title at Flushing Meadows.
DON'T MISS: Nick Kyrgios' US Open hopes assessed by former Wimbledon champion The truth has never been clearer says ANGELA EPSTEIN [OPINION]
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