In order to participate in the Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, Novak Djokovic has been informed that it would be “unrealistic” to seek a special exemption. In order to participate in the two illustrious events next month, the world’s top player has submitted an application to enter the United States. In order to participate in the Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, Novak Djokovic has been informed that it would be “unrealistic” to seek a special exemption. In order to participate in the two illustrious events next month, the world’s top player has submitted an application to enter the United States.
Djokovic would be unable to compete in Indian Wells, which begins on March 6, and the Miami Open, which begins on March 20, because unvaccinated foreign visitors are not permitted to enter the US until at least May 11.
Djokovic was notably deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open last year owing to his vaccination status and has previously indicated he is not inoculated against coronavirus. Additionally, the Serbian hasn’t competed at Indian Wells, one of the most prestigious tournaments outside of the Grand Slams, since 2019 because of stringent vaccination regulations.
And he had appeared destined to skip the two March events, which take place just before three Grand Slams in the summer and come at a vital time in the season. The Australian Open champion, who aspires to compete in the “Sunshine Double” of Masters 1000 events, is still on the entrance list for Indian Wells.
Since Djokovic’s younger brother Djordje told Serbian media that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is applying for a “special permit” to enter the nation, it appears that he is attempting to get around the US ban.
Djordje said to Tanjung, “Unfortunately, we have no control over it. “It is just unbelievable that Novak needs a special permit given that the USA still prohibits access to those who have not had their vaccinations, as the rest of the globe is open and both vaccinated and unvaccinated athletes compete in sports events all around the world.”
But while Djokovic’s participation would undoubtedly greatly raise the prestige of the two upcoming tournaments, his hopes for a waiver to visit the US have prompted a discussion akin to the one around his Australia visa snafu in 2022.
Paul Annacone, a coach who has worked with tennis greats Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, and Sloane Stephens, disagrees that it makes sense to let Djokovic enter the US simply because he is a world-class athlete.
I want him here, as a tennis fan,” Annacone remarked on the Tennis Channel. “As someone who takes a realistic view of the world, I don’t understand how they allowed him in but did not allow everyone else. That just doesn’t make sense.
As he waits for US officials to decide whether he may enter the nation next month, Djokovic returned to practice after a brief break following his 10th Australian Open victory. Even if he again misses the Miami Open and Indian Wells, he might be able to enter the country by the time the US Open resumes in August or September.