Novak Djokovic’s request to enter the United States without vaccination against covid-19 to compete in the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000 received public support this Friday from the US Tennis Association (USTA) and of the US Open.
The number one in men’s tennis is currently prohibited from entering the North American country for not being vaccinated but has requested a special entry permit from the national authorities.
The US Open, one of four Grand Slam tournaments on the tennis calendar, expressed confidence on Friday that the Serbian star would get that permission.
“Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen,” the tournament remarked on its Twitter account. “The USTA and the US Open hope that Novak is successful in petitioning him to enter the country and that fans will be able to see him again in action in Indian Wells and Miami.”
Indian Wells, which starts next Wednesday in the Californian desert, and Miami (Florida) are held consecutively and open the Masters 1000 season.
The United States continues to prevent unvaccinated international travelers from entering the country, and the Transportation Security Administration recently advanced that this measure will not be changed until at least mid-April.
Within the framework of the Dubai tournament, Djokovic declared this week that he was still waiting to find out if the United States would grant him permission.
The Serb, who on Friday lost his first match of 2023 in the semifinals against Daniil Medvedev, said he hopes to know the decision before the Indian Wells draw takes place on Monday.
Djokovic’s refusal to get vaccinated has already kept him out of major tournaments in recent years and even led to his deportation by Australian authorities when he attempted to compete at the Australian Open in early 2022.
Djokovic, who was unable to play the US Open in 2022 either, had a triumphant return to Australia this year adding his 22nd Grand Slam title, with which he equaled the record of Spanish Rafael Nadal
