In six days, the United States Championship will open, and the one who probably won't be there is Novak Djokovic.
An official announcement one way or another has not yet been released by the tournament organizers, but the Serbian's refusal to get vaccinated for the corona virus will likely prevent him from entering the country, unless the procedures change in the coming days, or he receives an exceptional permit - which currently does not seem to be an option on the table.
"It's stupid if they don't let him play," John McEnroe said today (Tuesday).
"This is the closest thing to a joke. If I were him, I would get vaccinated, but we must respect his way of thinking. We have been living with this epidemic for two and a half years, and not allowing him to compete - this is simply a joke."
When asked if missing the tournament would make it difficult for Djokovic to become the greatest tennis player of all time, the former tennis player replied: "Obviously, the main beneficiary is Rafael Nadal. Novak is obviously younger and uninjured, he can reach 25 Grand Slam wins, but you also have to think about The mental aspect. It's not easy to train without knowing if you'll be able to play or what your calendar will look like. It took him four months to get back to himself after what happened to him in Australia at the beginning of the year."
John McEnroe.
"In his place, Nola, I would get vaccinated", photo: AP
The former American tennis player added and praised Nadal, who will try to win the tournament for the fifth time in his career and celebrate 23 Grand Slams - two more than Djokovic and three more than Roger Federer: "I think he will end the year in first place in the world, I will be very surprised if not. It's amazing What is he doing right now, considering how much time he missed last year due to the leg injury. Rafa always does unbelievable things, and that's why he's the best or one of the best ever."
About Federer, McEnroe said: "If I were him, I wouldn't play in tournaments, I don't think he wants to lose in the first round. I thought he would play in the Lieber Cup and retire in Basel, on his home court, but now I heard he wants to play next year. His game is the most beautiful I've seen." .
Alkers.
Compliments from McEnroe, photo: USA TODAY Sports
And what about the next generation, McEnroe had a pretty clear answer: "It is clear that none of these young people will reach the level of all three, who are real legends. If I had to choose one, I would go for Carlos Alquers, he is an amazing athlete. He has something different."
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