Novak Djokovic says he’s ready to listen to if he has been granted particular permission to enter the USA to compete in ATP Masters 1000 occasions in Indian Wells and Miami that start subsequent month.
Key factors:
- In 2022 Djokovic missed Indian Wells, Miami and the US Open as he was not vaccinated towards COVID
- This 12 months Djokovic needs to play at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, however will want particular permission to enter the US
- Indian Wells match director Tommy Haas says it can be “a shame” if Djokovic cannot play
Djokovic, one of the vital high-profile athletes unvaccinated towards COVID-19, added he would return to the ATP tour in Dubai subsequent week after successful a record-extending tenth Australian Open title and his twenty second Grand Slam final month.
“My plans after Dubai rely on the US. I am ready for a reply, it isn’t on me … I’ll know quickly,” world primary Djokovic advised reporters after observe in Belgrade.
“All the pieces is in course of. I am grateful to the Indians Wells and Miami communities for his or her help. They want me to have the ability to play of their tournaments … I am trying ahead to a constructive determination coming quickly, however it’s not in my arms.”
The US vaccine requirement for overseas air travellers is just not anticipated to be lifted earlier than the primary draw begins at Indian Wells on March 9 and the Miami Open later within the month, which means Djokovic may miss out for a second-straight 12 months.
US President Joe Biden’s administration mentioned final month it might elevate COVID emergency declarations on Could 11, however Djokovic — named on the Indian Wells entry listing — mentioned he had submitted the required documentation for particular permission.
Indian Wells match director Tommy Haas mentioned final month it might be a “shame” if Djokovic was not allowed to compete within the US in 2023 after the Serbian additionally missed final 12 months’s main at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic, who missed final 12 months’s Australian Open and was deported from the nation because of his vaccine standing, has mentioned he would skip Grand Slams fairly than have a COVID shot.
“Final 12 months I missed Indian Wells, Miami and the US Open swing so it will not be the primary time if it occurs. I hope it would not,” Djokovic mentioned.
“That is all I can do as a result of my place stays the identical … the US Open continues to be distant so I hope I am going to have the ability to be there. It is one of many 4 largest occasions in our sport’s historical past.
“After all I would like to be there. I’ve obtained essentially the most great help from the New York and American crowd throughout the 2021 ultimate I misplaced to Daniil Medvedev. However I skilled one thing that I by no means did there earlier than.
“So I need to return and join with folks and hopefully play my greatest tennis and get one other trophy there.”
Reuters
Supply By https://www.abc.web.au/information/2023-02-23/novak-djokovic-applying-for-covid-vaccine-exemption-to-play-indi/102012450