"It's a complete joke that he's not allowed to play" - McEnroe on Djokovic missing out on Indian Wells and Miami

| by Alfredo Bassanelli

Most probably, Novak Djokovic won't be allowed to enter the United States to compete at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells and the 2023 Miami Open.

There are varying opinions in the tennis community regarding the possibility that the 22-time Grand Slam champion may not be able to participate in two ATP 1000 events. However, John McEnroe made his stance clear by commenting on the potential absence of Djokovic.

"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."

Djokovic's situation is very complicated as he nearly completed a Calendar Grand Slam in 2021, but also missed out on both Indian Wells and Miami Open, which he hasn't played since 2019. In 2022, the Serb missed two Grand Slams, as he couldn't enter Australia and the United States.

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"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."

McEnroe believes that Djokovic's absence from these events would be a huge loss for the sport. The tennis legend emphasized that this is a historic time in tennis, with both Djokovic and Rafael Nadal tied at 22 Grand Slam titles. To McEnroe, the possibility of Djokovic missing out on Indian Wells and Miami is a shame.

"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."

Regardless of the opinions, it is clear that Djokovic's potential absence from Indian Wells and Miami would be a setback for tennis fans. Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and his presence in these tournaments would undoubtedly make them more exciting and competitive.

It remains to be seen what will happen with Djokovic and his ability to participate in Indian Wells and Miami, but he clearly showed his desire to do so at a recent press conference. Tennis fans around the world are hoping that Djokovic will be able to play and that these events will be as exciting and competitive as ever.

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