It's still not clear if Novak Djokovic will compete at the 2023 Miami Open, and his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, provided some clarity in a recent interview.
The 35-year-old was not allowed to enter the United States for the 2023 Indian Wells, resulting in his withdrawal from the event. Up next, Djokovic would like to compete at the 2023 Miami Open, where he's still present on the entry list.
At this moment, it's not clear if he will compete at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami, but his desire is obvious. If Djokovic also withdraws from Miami, his main rival in the ATP Rankings, Carlos Alcaraz, will have a chance to be World No. 1 after the Sunshine Double, something the Serb will surely want to prevent from happening.
His coach, Goran Ivanisevic, spoke to Tennis Majors and revealed that they still want to compete in Miami.
“We haven’t given up (on Miami). He wants to play and I would love it if they allow him – it would be great both for him and for tennis. If not, it’s not the end of the world, he didn’t play last year as well. The most important thing is that we find out soon, so that we can make a plan.”
After the Sunshine Double, a very important part of the season starts with many tournaments, where the 22-time Grand Slam champion won't need to think if he'll be able to compete or not. Last year, the Serb won one clay-court title in Rome and he will have some defending to do this year.
“In terms of preparing for the European clay-court season, I’m not sure playing in Miami is the best solution. It depends on Novak – in the past he has triumphed in Monte Carlo having played in Indian Wells and Miami. If he is mentally ready and in his fighter mode, like he was in Australia, then anything is possible.”