Novak Djokovic Hopes To Play In US Despite Being Unvaccinated

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — 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 towards the coronavirus, the top-ranked Serb mentioned Wednesday.

The Transportation Security Administration has mentioned the requirement for international air vacationers to be absolutely vaccinated towards the illness can be in place at the very least till mid-April.

The match in Indian Wells will likely be performed from March 6-19 and the Miami Open is scheduled from March 20-April 2.

“Everything is currently in the process,” Djokovic mentioned at his coaching floor in Belgrade. “I have a big desire 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 among the most high-profile athletes who’s unvaccinated towards 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 match in January after Australia lifted its strict vaccine mandate to win his twenty second Grand Slam title, tying the report with Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic mentioned Wednesday that Nadal stays his greatest 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 subsequent greatest factor in our sport, or he’s already there.” Djokovic mentioned. “I just feel that the rivalry with Nadal is something that is difficult to eliminate.

“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 mentioned. “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 mentioned his subsequent match will likely be subsequent week’s Dubai Open.