2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick thinks it’s “unfortunate” that Novak Djokovic will likely miss out on the US Open but also underlined that the Serb’s vaccination status is his choice and that he has to deal with the consequences.
Djokovic, 35, hasn’t been vaccinated against COVID-19. As per the current US vaccine laws, unvaccinated foreigners can’t enter the country. “I think it’s unfortunate that he can’t play. But the writing has been on the wall, and he’s making a choice.
I think we all deal with the consequences of our given choice. I think a tournament would be better for having him in it. But I also don’t know that it’s the US Open or the USTA’s place to kind of override government policy.
I think it’s ridiculous for anyone in general fandom to expect that of a tennis tournament,” Roddick told The New York Post.
Roddick on US Open favorites
Since Djokovic likely won’t be at the US Open, Roddick thinks it’s Daniil Medvedev who will get the top favorite honor.
Rafael Nadal, who sustained an abdominal injury at Wimbledon, has played only one match so far this summer on hard. Roddick suggests there have been some strange results this summer and some surprises may happen at the US Open.
“Well it’s tough to give a prediction on the finals when we don’t even have a draw. I think [Daniil] Medvedev is about the safest money in the tournament right now, obviously on the heels of last year, and he’s proven that he likes the courts.
The big question mark is Rafa’s [Nadal] health — he’s only had one match since he pulled out of Wimbledon. The lead-up tournaments have had some surprising winners, a guy who was ranked 150 in the world (Borna Coric) just won Cincinnati. For the first time in a long time, I think there are more question marks than answers,” Roddick said.
