"I would run a boat from Bahamas here for him, he poses 0 risk" - Florida Governor on Djokovic playing in Miami

| by Evita Mueller

Novak Djokovic is still yet to learn whether he will be able to enter the United States and compete at the 2023 Miami Open.

On Wednesday, Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic said that they have not given up yet, and so the Serb still hopes to compete in Miami, after being previously forced to withdraw from the 2023 Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open.

Djokovic also received backing from the USTA as well as the tournament organizers of Indian Wells and Miami Open. However, that was not enough for him to get in as the 46th Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis joined the debate.

Previously, DeSantis was very vocal about his opinions on Djokovic's participation at the 2023 Miami Open, for which he still figures on the entry list. In one of his tweets, DeSantis wrote:

“The only thing keeping Novak Djokovic from participating in the Miami Open tennis tournament is President Biden’s misguided and unscientific COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreigner travelers. Mr. President – lift your restrictions and let him compete.”

With Djokovic's withdrawal Alcaraz's hunt for no. 1 spot begins
With Djokovic's withdrawal Alcaraz's hunt for no. 1 spot begins

Shortly after, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference during which he talked about the 22-time Grand Slam champion and his participation at the 2023 Miami Open.

"Djokovic has already had Covid. You know, there's something called natural immunity, which the CDC didn't want to recognize, but we all know is a fact of life. And so he poses zero risk to the United States, zero risk to the state of Florida, and zero risk to Miami. So he should be allowed to compete."

"Now, I would run a boat from the Bahamas here for him. I would do that 100%. But... But I think his people are looking at it, and I'm not sure that's the way they want to come into the country, which I understand. I think it'd be a great moment, but you know, nevertheless."

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