Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic confirms he has begged US officials for special permission to enter the country for tournaments in Miami and Florida next month, despite STILL refusing to take the jab.
Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he applied to the US authorities for special permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida, despite not being vaccinated against Covid-19.
The Transportation Security Administration has said the requirement that foreign air travelers be fully vaccinated against the disease would be in place at least until mid-April. The tournament in Indian Wells will be played from March 6 to 19 and the Miami Open is scheduled for March 20 to April 2.
“Everything is currently in the works,” Djokovic said at his training camp in Belgrade on Wednesday. ‘I have a great desire to be there.
“I’m really grateful to the (official) Indian Wells and Miami tournament and community for their public support and they wish I could play in their tournaments.”
Djokovic is one of the highest profile athletes who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Novak Djokovic spoke about his American plans at his training center in Belgrade on Wednesday.
The tennis legend last played in the United States in 2021, when he lost the US Open final (above)
Last year, Djokovic, 35, was deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open due to his vaccination status. Djokovic returned to the tournament in January after Australia lifted its strict vaccine mandate to win its 22nd Grand Slam title, tying the record with Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic said on Wednesday that Nadal remains his biggest rival on court despite the rise of 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who had been at the top of the rankings before a leg injury prevented him from playing at the Open. from Australia.
“(Alcaraz) is possibly the next biggest thing in our sport, or is already there.” Djokovic said. I feel that the rivalry with Nadal is something difficult to eliminate.
The five-time winner hasn’t played in Indian Wells since 2019 due to US vaccination requirements.
He admitted Wednesday that he plans to play in Indian Wells and Miami, if allowed.
“Nadal has been the biggest rival and will probably continue to be the biggest rival I’ve had in my career.”
Djokovic reached another milestone in her tennis career this week as she tied German great Steffi Gaff for 377 weeks atop the world rankings.
“Obviously Steffi Graf is one of the biggest legends in our sport, both men’s and women’s tennis, and someone I really admire and respect,” Djokovic said. “So, of course, he’s very flattering that he can match his record and obviously have the chance to break it next week as well.”
Djokovic said that his next tournament will be next week’s Dubai Open.