One of the last remaining Covid-related travel restrictions in the United States is about to go away – and that's potentially good news for tennis fans.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday that beginning May 12, non-US travelers entering the country will no longer be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
"DHS intends to rescind these Title 19 travel restrictions in alignment with the end of the Public Health Emergency and the termination of the Presidential Proclamation on air travel," the agency said in a statement.
The travel industry is welcoming the news. "Today's action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement.
The repercussions of the decision could have a big impact in the sports world.
The world's No. 1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic, missed several tournaments in the US due to the vaccine requirement.
Djokovic sparked controversy in April 2020 when he said he was opposed to a compulsory vaccination against the coronavirus.
"Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn't want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel," he said in a Facebook live chat, according to Reuters.
The 35-year-old had to withdraw from the US Open, the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and the Miami Open because of his vaccination status.
He was deported from Australia ahead of the 2022 Australian Open after arriving in the country unvaccinated. Because of the absences, he temporarily lost his top singles ranking – which he has held for more weeks than any other player.
With the US Open beginning in August, tennis fans might have the chance of seeing the world's top player in action in the US.
"We certainly hope that Novak will be able to enter the country and compete in the 2023 US Open. He is a great champion and a fan favourite, and we would welcome him at this year's tournament," U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier told CNN in a statement.
Comments
Post a Comment