Novak Djokovic free to play US Open as end of COVID-19 vaccination restrictions flagged
Novak Djokovic will be free to play in this year's US Open, after the United States government flagged it will end all COVID-19 emergency measures on May 11.
That means Djokovic will be free to enter the United States, despite being unvaccinated.
He will, however, once again miss the Masters 1000 tournaments in Miami and Indian Wells in March, two of the ATP Tour's flagship events.
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The Serbian, who won a record-equalling 22nd grand slam title in Melbourne on Sunday, was forced to watch last year's US Open from afar, after being banned from travelling to New York.
The announcement, by President Joe Biden, means Djokovic will likely be a strong favourite to add to his grand slam tally at Flushing Meadows when the US Open begins in August.
Speaking to Nine's Today after Djokovic's Australian Open win, former world No.8 Alicia Molik said the 35-year-old was once again at the top of his game.
"I think the start of many more, he is going to top the charts and he will be remembered as the greatest of all time," she said.
"I still think he's got three or four more [titles] left in him, at least.
"Let's wait and see but he is dominating men's tennis."
Novak Djokovic is free to play in this year's US Open. Getty Images
Djokovic himself conceded that winning on the game's biggest stages was the biggest reason to keep playing.
"Of course, I am motivated to win as many slams as possible," he said.
"At this stage of my career, these trophies are the biggest motivational factor of why I still compete. That's the case without a doubt.
"I still have lots of motivation. Let's see how far it takes me. I really don't want to stop here. I don't have any intention to stop here. I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I'm feeling good physically and mentally present, I have a chance to win any slam against anybody."
Australian Open 2023 in pictures: Hilarious detail in Novak Djokovic's jacket proves ruthless mentality
