DeSantis Slams Vaccine Mandate Barring Tennis Star Novak Djokovic from Attending US Open: ‘It is So Stupid’
FORT PIERCE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis railed against the U.S. travel restrictions mandating vaccines causing superstar Novak Djokovic, a 21-time major champion, from competing in the US Open tennis championship.
Djokovic announced he will “not be able to travel to NY” amidst the travel restrictions imposed on international visitors. Djokovic is from Serbia.
On the mishap, DeSantis railed against “the shot” standing in the competitor’s way.
“The shot… it’s not stopping you from getting this. It is so bizarre, it is so stupid,” he said.
“They’re not letting Djokovic come to the United States to play US Open because of the show – which he’s already had COVID!”
The US Open began on Aug. 23 and will run through Sep. 12.
DeSantis has long railed against vaccine mandates. On athletics, he worked to allow Special Olympians to compete in the Special Olympics in the Sunshine State.
Special Olympics International rescinded its vaccine mandate in early June after the DeSantis Administration said it would fine the group $27.5 million for violating state law and requiring athletes to provide proof of the COVID vaccine before competing.
“It is wrong to discriminate against athletes with disabilities due to COVID vaccines. Florida wants everybody to have opportunities to make the most of their God-given abilities and to be able to compete in athletics,” DeSantis said. “Allowing athletes to compete in the USA Games earlier this month was a step in the right direction. Now, Special Olympics Florida is ready to welcome athletes who were not able to compete in our games, thanks to a guarantee of financial assistance from the international organization.”
