"The other tennis players don’t want him, their chances of winning would diminish" - Gillian McKeith on Novak Djokovic being barred from the US Open 2022
Gillian McKeith has taken a jab at other tennis players for being silent on Novak Djokovic not being able to compete at the 2022 US Open.
To enter the United States of America, foreign travelers must be vaccinated against the coronavirus, something Djokovic has repeatedly stated he is not willing to do. As it stands, the Serb's chances of taking part in the new York Major are minimal at best.
Gillian McKeith, a well-known Scottish TV personality and writer, recently weighed in on the matter. She took to Twitter to ridicule the tennis world's silence, claiming that other players do not want Djokovic to participate so that their chances of winning the hardcourt Major are boosted.
"The most amazing thing about the #djokovic situation is the silence from the tennis world. It almost makes you think that the other tennis players don’t want him in the #USOpen2022 for example...Their chances of winning would diminish," McKeith tweeted.
The most amazing thing about the #djokovic situation is the silence from the tennis world. It almost makes you think that the other tennis players don’t want him in the #USOpen2022 for example...Their chances of winning would diminish.
That said, there is still a chance for Djokovic to be able to participate in the year's final Grand Slam tournament. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently relaxed its COVID-19 guidelines; according to the latest CDC report, there is no difference between unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals for entry into the country.
Whilst this only applies to American citizens currently, it has given Djokovic's fans some hope that the CDC might alter the rules for non-citizens as well.
A big update from @CDCgov today is the CDC recommendations no longer differentiate based on a person’s vaccination status - acknowledging breakthrough infections are common, and taking natural immunity into consideration.
"If I would be the decision-maker, sure I want him to play" - Daniil Medvedev on Novak Djokovic's US Open participation
Contrary to Gillian McKeith's assertion, not all players have been silent on the issue. In fact, World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev recently weighed in too.
In a press conference conducted prior to the start of the Western & Southern Open, Medvedev stated that if he had the ultimate say, he would undoubtedly want Djokovic to compete.
"I cannot do anything, it is the government who sets the rules, so I do not know if it can actually change or not," Medvedev said. "If you ask me, if I would be the decision-maker, sure I want Novak to play. I like it when the tournament [has] the best players in the world."
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his participation at the US Open, one thing is certain: the Serb will swing his racquet at the Laver Cup tournament in 2022. He will be part of a dream Team Europe roster that includes Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The tournament is scheduled to be held from September 23 to September 25.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion will also lead Serbia in the group stage of the 2022 Davis Cup.
The complete set: Team Europe London 2022
#LaverCup https://t.co/MLERcpZ1PF
Also Checkout:- US Open 2022 Results