Djokovic gained’t compete in two U.S. tournaments as a consequence of COVID-19 vaccination standing

Novak Djokovic gained’t be competing in two upcoming American tennis tournaments after his COVID-19 vaccine waiver was denied.

“World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open,” BNP Paribas Open event organizers stated in an announcement to ESPN. “With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field.”

The 22-time Grand Slam winner will even not compete in the Miami Open, which begins March 19. The BNP Paribas

Djokovic, a Serbian nationwide, can’t enter the U.S. as a result of he’s not vaccinated in opposition to the coronavirus. He sought particular permission from the federal authorities final month as a way to enter the nation. The restriction on unvaccinated foreigners ends when the U.S.’ COVID-19 emergency expires on May 11. 

“If there’s no America, I guess I’ll play clay,” Djokovic instructed reporters Friday after he was defeated by Daniil Medvedev in Dubai, in keeping with CNN. “Monte Carlo is probably the next tournament. If that’s the case, I’ll take some time off, I’ll prepare.”

Sen. Rick Scott, Florida Republican, known as on President Biden to reverse the waiver denial on Friday. He and fellow Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio beforehand penned a joint assertion calling on the Biden administration to grant the waiver to Djokovic. 

BREAKING: We have been instructed that @DHSgov simply denied @DjokerNole‘s vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete within the US subsequent week in CA & within the @MiamiOpen. @JoeBiden should repair this NOW, grant the waiver & enable him to compete right here within the states. https://t.co/TSD10yM8u6

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 3, 2023

“Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen,” the US Open stated Friday. “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 best champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is profitable in his petition to enter the nation, and that the followers will be capable of see him again in motion at Indian Wells and Miami.

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) March 3, 2023

Djokovic hasn’t competed on the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, or the Miami Open since 2019.

For extra data, go to The Washington Times COVID-19 useful resource web page.