Unvaccinated Djokovic eyes Open
Novak Djokovic is holding out hope that he’ll be able to compete at the U.S. Open despite not being vaccinated against the coronavirus.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion said Saturday on his social media accounts that he’s been training as if he’ll play at Flushing Meadows when the last major of the year begins Aug. 29.
“I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to US. Fingers crossed!” he wrote.
Although he’s been included on the U.S. Open entry list, the United States does not allow unvaccinated noncitizens to enter the country, which is why the Serb needed to sit out big events in Indian Wells, California, and Miami this season.
The 35-year-old Djokovic was able to play at Wimbledon, which he won for his 21st Grand Slam title, and earlier in the French Open, where he lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard has a men’s record 22 major singles titles.
After beating Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, Djokovic said he “would love” to enter the U.S. Open, but added: “I’m not planning to get vaccinated.”
Auto racing: Kyle Busch is getting antsy about not having a contract next season. NASCAR’s only active driver with multiple Cup championships has been unable to extend his deal with Joe Gibbs Racing because the team is still seeking a sponsor for Busch. But he said Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he’s willing to take a pay cut and drive for less than his market value, as well as make other concessions, in his bid to secure a job for 2023. It’s late enough in the process that Busch is talking to teams other than Gibbs. ... AJ Allmendinger continued his dominance of NASCAR road course racing and set himself up for a sweep at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a victory Saturday in the Xfinity Series.
Golf: Tony Finau shot a 7-under 65 on Saturday to match Taylor Pendrith at 21-under 195 with a round left in the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The 3M Open winner last week in Minnesota, Finau is trying to become the first to win consecutive regular-season tournaments in three years . ... Lydia Ko was joined by Celine Boutier at the top of the leaderboard after day three of the Women’s Scottish Open on Saturday . ... Sean Crocker’s chip-in eagle on the par-5 18th hole gave him a two-stroke lead headed into the final round at the Hero Open.
NFL: Deshaun Watson sprinted onto the field to a light round of cheers Saturday at the Browns’ first open practice of training camp. The noticeably muted reaction reflected the uncertainty surrounding the Browns’ controversial new quarterback. Watson was the focal point as the Browns worked out in front of a near-capacity crowd at their suburban headquarters. He briefly waved while running to the middle of the practice fields, but did not speak with the media.
WNBA: Breanna Stewart made four free throws in the final 12 seconds and finished with 18 points as the Storm beat the Mystics 82-77 Saturday and clinch a berth in the WNBA playoffs.