By Ind Job Info Team
A tiny group of protesters chanted “Novak! Novak!” outside the U.S. Open to repeal the vaccination travel ban that kept Novak Djokovic from competing this year.
Djokovic, from Serbia, couldn't go to the U.S. because he's not COVID-19-vaccinated. He competed in the previous two U.S. Opens hosted during the pandemic, but the current vaccine requirement began Nov. 8.
Families are Essential, Children's Health Defense, and Teachers for Choice demonstrated against the travel mandate.
Day 1 of the U.S. Open had more excitement than usual because of Serena Williams.
Defending champion Daniil Medvedev is among the early Grand Slam players Monday.
Andy Murray is playing No. 24 seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina. Williams will start her final competition in Ashe's night session. He faces Danka Kovinic.
Dominic Thiem, the 2020 winner who skipped the tournament last year, is also on the schedule.