Novak Djokovic reportedly ‘denied’ access to play Indian Wells and Miami
Novak Djokovic has reportedly been denied access to play Indian Wells and the Miami Open, for a second consecutive year, according to Florida senator Rick Scott.
Djokovic is not allowed access into the United States until the 11th May, due to his vaccination status, but applied for a ‘special exempt’ in a last-ditch effort to play the first two ATP Masters 1000 tournaments of the year.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion claimed that he was still awaiting the outcome, after his 2023 unbeaten streak came to an end against Daniil Medvedev in the Dubai semi-final.
However, the Floridian senator appears to have confirmed the outcome of this application, “BREAKING: We have been told that @DHSgov just denied @DjokerNole’s vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in CA & in the @MiamiOpen.
He added, “@JoeBiden must fix this NOW, grant the waiver & allow him to compete here in the states.”
? BREAKING: We have been told that @DHSgov just denied @DjokerNole's vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in CA & in the @MiamiOpen. @JoeBiden must fix this NOW, grant the waiver & allow him to compete here in the states. https://t.co/TSD10yM8u6
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 3, 2023
It comes after the US Open, which Djokovic was unable to play last year, showed support for the No.1 with a post on social media.
The statement read, “Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.”
Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) March 3, 2023
Despite receiving support, it appears that the five-time Indian Wells champion and six-time Miami Open winner will not be able to add to his tally this year.
Djokovic confirmed that if his application was unsuccessful he would withdraw before the draw was made for Indian Wells on Monday, something that the Serb did not do last year.
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