Djokovic's Vaccine Waiver Request Denied as He's Backed by USTA
ATP
Novak Djokovic is still waiting for good news from the United States regarding his participation in the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open, but it seems that he might be disappointed.
Only recently, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio have officially asked the US President, Joe Biden, to allow Djokovic to enter the United States.
"Mr. Djokovic is a world-class athlete in peak physical condition who is not at high risk of severe complications from COVID-19. It seems both illogical and misaligned with the opinions of your own administration to not grant him the waiver he requests so that he may travel to the U.S. to compete in a professional event."
"The lack of public health risk, along with the clear benefit of his participation in an event that will be a major driver for our local economies should make the decision before you simple and serve as a precedent for others in his position."
However, according to Senator Rick Scott, the vaccine waiver request was denied by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which will now make it impossible for Djokovic to enter the United States and play at the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
"We have been told that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security just denied Novak Djokovic's vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in California & in the Miami Open. Joe Biden must fix this NOW, grant the waiver and allow him to compete here in the states."
Everyone involved wants to see the 22-time Grand Slam champion compete in the United States this year. Djokovic even received backing from the USTA.
"Novak Djokovic is one [of] the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami."
Even the tournament director of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, Tommy Haas, told The New York Times that he wants Djokovic to compete at the tournament.
"We want the best tennis player in the world to be here. He’s writing me, he wants to be here. So of course, you’re like, 'OK, let’s try to make this happen. How can we figure this out that’s going to be realistic?' But at the end of the day, unfortunately, that’s not in our hands and that’s what’s frustrating.”
At the moment, Djokovic can't enter the country legally, and with the time running out, it's looking increasingly likely that he will miss the Sunshine Double in 2023.
