"It's a complete joke that he's not allowed to play" - McEnroe on Djokovic missing out on Indian Wells and Miami
ATP
John McEnroe shared what he thinks about Novak Djokovic's inability to compete in some of the tournaments.
Djokovic chose not to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it impossible for him to compete at some of the most important tournaments on the ATP Tour.
In 2022, he was deported from Australia, and he subsequently missed also the US Open. In between, the Serbian player also didn't play at the Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open.
In 2023, he played at the Australian Open again, but it seems that he won't be able to compete in Indian Wells and Miami, as the entry requirements in the United States won't be lifted before the start of the Sunshine Double.
During a recent ESPN conference call, McEnroe commented on the situation. According to the former American great, "it's a joke" that Djokovic can't play some tournaments.
"I think it's a complete joke that he's not allowed to play. It's absurd they threw him out of Australia last year. I have had my vaccines. I respect that he's chosen not to do it. I would have done it but that's a whole other issue."
"But at this point, or even last year, he played in 2021 and then wasn't allowed to come in 2022. Someone explain that to me. And now he's still not able to play? It's absurd, in my opinion. We'll see what happens."
Djokovic clearly wants to compete in the United States, but it's not in his hands at the moment. Djokovic and his rival Rafael Nadal are now both tied at 22 Grand Slams and according to McEnroe, it's a shame that his rivalry is disturbed by the Serbian's inability to play in some tournaments.
"It would be absurd if he couldn't play Indian Wells or Miami or any other tournament in the US, especially the US Open. This is a historic time in our sport, obviously with him and Rafa both at 22 [Grand Slams]. It's pretty interesting if you ask me, so it would be a damn shame."
