Will the Serbian Novak Djokovic benefit from a right pass to enter the United States when he is not vaccinated against Covid-19?
The American Tennis Federation and the organizers of the US Open have in any case shown their support in his request in order to be able to play the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami.
“Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever known. The USTA and the US Open are hoping that he will be successful in his bid to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to review in action in Indian Wells and Miami”wrote the two bodies in a joint press release.
The 35-year-old world No.1 asked the American authorities for a special authorization to enter the United Statesfor which it is waiting for a response.
Washington does not allow entry into the country to unvaccinated international travelers. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently reported that this measure would not change until at least mid-April.
However, the Indian Wells tournament begins next Wednesday in the Californian desert, until March 19, and will be followed by the Miami Open from March 22 until April 2.
Djokovic, co-record holder of the number of Grand Slams won (22) with Rafael Nadalsaid in Dubai this week that he was still waiting to hear if the United States would grant him the clearance. “If it is refused to me, I will withdraw from the tournament of course, before the draw” scheduled for Monday, he said before conceding the first defeat of his season in the semi-final against Daniil Medvedev.
Due to his vaccination status, Djokovic had been expelled from Australia shortly before the 2022 edition of the Major in Melbourne. And he was not allowed to come to the United States to defend his chances at Indian Wells or the US Open. The last time he played a match on American soil was at Flushing Meadows in 2021.
