The current World No.1 Daniil Medvedev would like to see Novak Djokovic attend the US Open to increase the level of competition and continue the Serbian player’s rivalry with Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic is unable to compete at the final Grand Slam of the season as current laws dictate that unvaccinated foreign citizens are unable to enter the United States. Djokovic has said he was “opposed to vaccination” but has not disclosed his vaccination status. His viewpoints have been the cause of some controversy in his home country and abroad.
Djokovic’s vaccination issues
A notable incident saw his visa for Australia revoked after he was granted an exemption from vaccination rules, to allow him to participate in the Australian Open. This revocation caused backlash from both his fans and the Serbian Prime Minister, Ana Brnabic.
The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) relaxed certain rules regarding social distancing and quarantine but have yet to update their travel advice for non-citizens. An update on those rules could allow Djokovic to play in New York in the future though his attendance is still up in the air unless the rules change or he receives an exemption.
After the Wimbledon final, Djokovic expressed a desire to represent Serbia in the Davis Cup group stage which starts on September 13. While his stance on vaccination has caused him several issues, the athlete has remained firm in his stance and said he was not worried about missing out on tournaments.
“I don’t really feel any pressure or necessity to play a certain schedule… I achieved that historic No. 1, weeks for No. 1, that I worked for all my life… I prioritise Slams and big tournaments really and where I want to play, where I feel good,” Djokovic said.
Medvedev’s thoughts on the US Open
When Medvedev was asked if he would like to see Djokovic play at the Flushing Meadows Grand Slam, he replied:
“Yeah, for sure. I cannot do anything. It is the government who sets the rules, so I do not know if it can actually change or not. 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.”
Medvedev also says that he would also like to see the rivalry between Djokovic and Nadal continue. Both players are competing over the prestige of having the most Grand Slam titles. Nadal has 22 after winning the Australian Open and the French Open but Djokovic currently has 21 after winning the prestigious Wimbledon.
“This competition against Rafa is super intense and super interesting. So I would love to see him there in New York. But, if for the government rules, he cannot be there, well, everybody is still going to try to do their best and try to win [the] US Open,” Medvedev added.
Djokovic isn’t the only one competing against Nadal, however. Medvedev will be looking to defend his title of rank 1 in the world over the next few weeks. The Russian player needs to reach the quarter-final or above in Cincinnati to maintain his title if Nadal wins the Western & Southern Open.