With no change to CDC travel guidelines, Novak Djokovic to miss 2022 US Open

WATCH: Djokovic returned to action in Europe following an appearance in Dubai after the Australian Open.

NEW YORK—Novak Djokovic will miss the 2022 US Open as recently updated CDC guidelines continue to prevent unvaccinated non-citizens from entering the United States.

The former world No. 1 was deported from Australia following a rejected attempt to play the Australian Open with a coronavirus vaccine exemption, and has been off the court since winning his 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

Following the Melbourne debacle, Djokovic affirmed his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19—a virus he has caught at least twice since the global pandemic began in 2020—along with his commitment to missing tournaments where he was required to be vaccinated, though he often remained on entry lists in hopes of any last-minute changes or exemptions.

Still, the CDC’s August 11 update included language that implied vaccine status “no longer differentiated” prevention—and thereby travel—recommendations.

"Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-U.S.citizens," read a statement from Stacey Allaster, US Open Tournament Director. "We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open."

Djokovic was removed from the US Open website’s list of players on Thursday morning before the draw ceremony, where he was slated to be the No. 5 seed following the withdrawal of world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.

Despite missing all Australian and North American tournaments as a result of his unvaccinated status, the 35-year-old has been able to travel throughout Europe unimpeded, and will likely compete in their fall slate of tournaments leading up to the season-ending ATP Finals, where his Wimbledon victory essentially assures his qualification.

We will continue to update this developing story.