Tennis fans walking into the US Open on Monday were greeted by a vocal protest from a group of individuals against COVID-19 rules.
It is understood that the protest is related to the American government’s current rules regarding COVID-19 and travelling. As fans walked towards the gates, there were shouts of ‘where is Novak (Djokovic)’ with some holding banners saying ‘end the travel mandate now.’ Their chants were directed at those walking into the tournament.
The demonstrators were also voicing their opposition to the COVID-19 vaccination with one of their signs saying ‘our kids are not a science experiment.’ Even though the jab has been medically approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Protests at the Grand Slam were always inevitable following the confirmation that 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is unable to play at the tournament this year. The Serbian isn’t vaccinated against COVID-19 which is a requirement for all entrants to visit America unless they qualify for a special exemption. Earlier this year Djokovic was deported from the Australian Open due to not being vaccinated which the government ruled made his visa invalid.
“Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-U.S.citizens,” US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.”
The USTA confirmed that they were unable to apply for a special exemption which could have allowed Djokovic to play at the tournament. It is not known if the tennis star tried to apply for one himself.
In video footage of the protest from Freedom News TV, one protester had a microphone where he chanted ‘stand with Novak’ multiple times in front of a small crowd of people.
Journalist Oliya Scootercaster has uploaded a series of videos documenting the demonstration.
There USTA, which oversees the US Open, are yet to comment on the protest.
