Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic has sought special permission to enter the United States for Masters 1000 tournaments in Indians Wells and Miami in March.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 11, 2023 11:32 IST
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open 2023 crown (AP Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: Novak Djokovic has applied for special permission to enter the United States ahead of the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000 tournaments in March. Djokovic remains one of the few high-profile unvaccinated sports stars in the world amid the pandemic.
Novak Djokovic, who won the Australian Open to return to the No. 1 spot, was named in the Indian Wells Masters 1000 entry list. The Serb is a 5-time champion at Indian Wells and he would be keen on returning to action in the Sunshine tournaments to continue his good run in the lead-up to the French Open.
However, the US vaccine requirement for foreign air travellers is not expected to be lifted before main draw action at Indian Wells kicks off on March 9. The Miami Open runs from March 22 to April 2.
“Novak has to obtain special permission as the U.S. is still denying entry to non-vaccinated persons, which is simply unbelievable as the whole world is open and sports events feature vaccinated and non-vaccinated athletes alike,” Djordje told Serbian news agency Tanjug.
HOPEFUL OF POSITIVE OUTCOME
“Novak has submitted all the required documentation and a request, and the directors of the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments have publicly said Novak is needed at those tournaments and that they want him to come.
“There are only a few days to go before a decision is made and what remains for us to do is hope for a positive outcome.”
Notably, Djokovic was not allowed to enter the US for the US Open in 2022 due to his unvaccinated status. Djokovic had said he wouldn’t mind missing major tournaments, including Grand Slams, saying he wanted to control what he put in his body.
Last month, Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said it would be a “disgrace” if Djokovic was not allowed to compete at Indian Wells and other tournaments in the United States this year.
Djokovic missed last year’s Australian Open and was deported from the country due to his vaccine status.
