Novak Djokovic will skip the US Open because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and thus is not allowed to travel to the United States.

The 35-year-old Serbian tennis player announced his withdrawal from the year’s last Grand Slam tournament on Twitter on Thursday, just hours before the draw for the event was revealed.

“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support.  Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!” he tweeted on Thursday. 

Also Read: US Open 2022: Five players who can become ATP no. 1

Play is scheduled to begin at Flushing Meadows on Monday.

Earlier this month, the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed COVID vaccinate mandate for citizens of the United States, giving the 21-time Grand Slam winner a glimmer of hope to take part in the event. However, the latest guidelines by the US health agency relating to non-citizens, making it mandatory for them to get vaccinated before entering the US, slimmed his chances. 

“Non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: You must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply,” the CDC said on its website.

Also Read: Top five Novak Djokovic controversies

Earlier this year, Djokovic was ruled him out of the Australian Open after he refused to getting vaccinated. He had arrived in Australia with a COVID-19 vaccine exemption but his visa was cancelled upon arrival and he lost his court bid to stay in the country.