"It's a bit crazy to not let him into the states; he's one of the GOATs and there's no debating that" - Steve Johnson on Novak Djokovic's US Open saga

Steve Johnson believes that Novak Djokovic missing the US Open will affect the competitiveness of the Grand Slam tournament. He also termed the Serbian the 'best player in the world right now' and feels no one can question his status as one of the GOATs.

The American player lamented the current guidelines in the United States of America (USA) that restrict the 21-time Grand Slam champion from entering the country. While Rafael Nadal, another member of the Big 3, is all set to compete in the final Grand Slam tournament of the season, Johnson wished the Serb would also be there.

Johnson appeared on the Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast and expressed his thoughts on the matter.

"You know, even though he's, I don't know seven or eight in the world. Whatever is right now. He's the best player, you know," Johnson said.

"I think him and Rafa. Like, these guys are the best players and you want the best players to be competing at the Slams at the highest level. You know, whether you like Novak or not, he's one of the GOATs and there's really no debating that," he added.

🏆 Rafael Nadal: 22
🏆 Novak Djokovic: 21

Who will end up with most Grand Slam titles?

The former American No. 1 player opined that the Serb's entry ban into the USA due to his unvaccinated status is 'a bit crazy.' He believes that the vaccine mandate for travel has outgrown its effectiveness.

"Yeah, you know, I think it's a bit extremely unfortunate. You know, I don't see... I think it's a bit crazy to not let him into the states and to play. But again, that's my opinion, you know, I'm not somebody at the top that makes the rules," Johnson continued.

The 32-year-old stated that even though the guidelines might eventually change, they will not change in time for Djokovic to take part in the US Open, which begins this coming Monday.

"I get, I get why the rules are enforced. I get all that, you know, I, I completely do. But now that we're two and a half years into this thing, you know, it seems to be a bit insane, not to let him in and I don't think that we're gonna get any guidelines change before the Open to let him in sadly enough," the American expressed.

Now we wait to see if Novak Djokovic will remain on the main draw entry list after the qualifying draw later today (Jack Sock on standby). The CDC is still reviewing the mandatory vaccination requirement to enter the US, 10 days after guidance for community settings was relaxed. twitter.com/SchoolerSport/…

"A tennis tournament, and a specific player won’t dictate govt policy" - Andy Roddick weighs in on Novak Djokovic's US Open controversy

Novak Djokovic is a three-time US Open champion.

Andy Roddick also chimed in on Novak Djokovic's debated US Open saga. The former US Open champion clarified his stance on the Serb's participation in the tournament and believes he should get to play. Having said that, Roddick also stressed that no player or tournament holds the power to bring about a change in government policy.

Roddick shared his opinion on Twitter, in response to a fan who criticized him for not openly supporting Djokovic.

"Probably true. I think he should be able to play, but spamming all things US Open is useless. Throwing your toys all over twitterverse won’t change the govt policy.A tennis tournament, and a specific player won’t dictate govt policy. You can be mad at me for basic facts if needed," Andy Roddick wrote in his tweet.

@Que_Mes8 @pavyg @ReillyOpelka @JohnIsner @TennysSandgren Probably true. I think he should be able to play, but spamming all things US Open is useless. Throwing your toys all over twitterverse won’t change the govt policy.A tennis tournament, and a specific player won’t dictate govt policy. You can be mad at me for basic facts if needed

As things stand, the regulations call for foreign travelers to be double vaccinated against the coronavirus when entering the USA. Meanwhile, the US Open draw will be made on Thursday, August 25, and the main draw action kicks off on Monday, August 29.

Also Checkout:- US Open 2022 Schedule