Djokovic hopes to play in U.S. regardless of being unvaccinated

BELGRADE, Serbia — Novak Djokovic has requested American authorities for particular permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida regardless of being unvaccinated in opposition to the coronavirus, the top-ranked Serb stated Wednesday.

The Transportation Security Administration has stated the requirement for international air vacationers to be absolutely vaccinated in opposition to the illness can be in place at the very least till mid-April. The event in Indian Wells can be performed from March 6-19 and the Miami Open is scheduled from March 20-April 2.

“Everything is currently in the process,” Djokovic stated at his coaching floor in Belgrade. “I’ve a giant need to be there.

“I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (officials) and community for their support publicly and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments.”

Djokovic is without doubt one of the most high-profile athletes who’s unvaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

Last 12 months, the 35-year-old Djokovic was deported from Australia forward of the Australian Open due to his vaccination standing. Djokovic returned to the event in January after Australia lifted its strict vaccine mandate to win his twenty second Grand Slam title, tying the report with Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic stated Wednesday that Nadal stays his largest on-court rival regardless of the rise of 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who had been on the high of the rankings earlier than a leg harm prevented him from enjoying on the Australian Open.

“(Alcaraz) is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport, or he’s already there.” Djokovic stated. “I simply really feel that the rivalry with Nadal is one thing that’s tough to eradicate.

“Nadal has been the biggest rival and he probably will remain the biggest rival I ever had in my in my career.”

Djokovic reached one other milestone in his tennis profession this week by tying German nice Steffi Gaff with 377 weeks on the high of the world rankings.

“Obviously, Steffi Graf is one of the biggest legends of our sport, both men and women tennis, and someone that I truly admire and respect,” Djokovic stated. “So, of course, it’s very flattering that I am able to equal her record and obviously have a possibility to break it as well the next week.”

Djokovic stated his subsequent event can be subsequent week’s Dubai Open.