US Open 2022: Will Novak Djokovic be able to play, what have organisers said and what seed would Wimbledon champion be as he chases Rafael Nadal’s all-time men’s record

Novak Djokovic's bid to secure US Open redemption is currently up in the air with the 142nd edition of the Grand Slam just around the corner.

The Serb was left in tears at the tournament last year after defeat in the final cost him his dream of achieving the calendar grand slam.

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Djokovic, who was dispatched in straight sets by Daniil Medvedev, last lifted the trophy in 2018 and may not get a chance to challenge for it again this year.

The 35-year-old is one behind Rafael Nadal's all-time men's record after claiming his 21st major title with victory at Wimbledon in July.

But Djokovic's anti-vaccination stance, which led to a ban from playing in the Australian Open, has limited his chances to improve that haul.

Is Novak Djokovic playing at the US Open?

As it stands, no.

Non-American citizens must be fully vaccinated to enter the country, which means Djokovic, who has repeatedly said that he will not take the vaccine, will be denied entry.

The ruling, which has been in affect since October 2021, stopped Djokovic from playing ATP Masters 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami in March and April.

The three-time champion at Flushing Meadows was also absent from last week's Cincinnati Open but was still on the US Open entry list on Monday.

Djokovic is currently into the draw as the No 6 seed, assuming he does not withdraw before Thursday’s ceremony,

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Will the rules be changed?

Djokovic faces an anxious wait to find out whether the US government will relax travel restrictions within the next week.

Yet US Open organisers have hinted at that not being the case, with the tournament website revealing new Covid measures will be implemented.

“At this time, ticket holders will not be required to show proof of COVID vaccination for admission into the US Open,” a statement on their website reads.

“However, please note that if you are travelling from abroad to attend the US Open, you must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID vaccine to travel to the United States (this applies to non-U.S. citizens and/or non-U.S. immigrants).”

Despite this, under a FAQ question on the website titled: “Will players need to be vaccinated?” the tournament has stated: “COVID health and safety protocols for players (including any vaccination and/or testing requirements) are being evaluated and will be made at a later date, taking into account guidance from U.S., New York State and New York City governmental and health authorities.”

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What has been said?

Speaking about possibly appearing at the US Open back in June, Djokovic said: “I’ll just have to wait and see.

“I would love to go to States but as of today, that’s not possible.

“There is not much I can do anymore.

“I mean, it’s really up to the U.S. government to make a decision whether or not they allow unvaccinated people to go into the country.”

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US Open 2022: Date and start time

The Grand Slam is being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York City.

The hard-surface venue has 22 outdoor courts with an additional 12 practice courts. The four show courts include the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand and Court 17.

There will be a total of 128 players starting off in the men’s and women’s singles.

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Play will start on Monday, August 29. Matches on the main court in the Arthur Ashe Stadium will begin at 5pm UK time (British Summer Time is 5 hours ahead of New York).

The men’s final will take place on Sunday, September 11 at 9pm UK time with the women’s final the day before.