‘I can’t enter the United States’ – unvaccinated Novak Djokovic may miss Indian Wells
Whilst Novak Djokovic has been named on the Indian Wells entry list, he has revealed he currently cannot enter the United States to participate.
World number one Djokovic endured a hostile and unwelcoming reception when he was deported from Australia. However the reception couldn’t have been more different in his first match of the year at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Five-time Dubai titlist Djokovic was roared on by the home fans as he overcame Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti. The Dubai Championships do not require vaccination in order to compete.
Djokovic reiterated his intention to remain unvaccinated in a share-all interview with the BBC. He even went as far as to say he is willing to sacrifice Grand Slams should vaccination be made mandatory for entry.
Aside from the Grand Slams, among one of the other Major tournaments Djokovic may struggle to enter is the Indian Wells Masters.
Djokovic has been named on the entry list for the Masters event, often dubbed the ‘fifth Grand Slam,’ but may not be able to compete as United States forbids unvaccinated travellers via air travel.
“As of today, no, I can’t go, I can’t enter the United States,” was Djokovic’s response when he was asked about his participation at Indian Wells.
“As of today, I’m not able to play. But let’s see what happens. I mean, maybe things change in the next few weeks,” he continued.
Djokovic has previously said “actually, I’m just gonna have to follow the rules. Whenever I am allowed to play in a tournament, I will try to go to this country to play.
“I had in mind to do my best in the Grand Slams and in some of the Masters 1000. But right now the situation is obviously different for me.
“I really can’t choose: I will have to go and play where I can, wherever I have the opportunity.”
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