The U.S. Tennis Federation and the organizers of the US Open have shown their support for Novak Djokovic in his application to enter the United States, despite not being vaccinated against Covid, in order to play the Masters 1000 of Indian Wells and Miami.

"Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever known. The USTA and the US Open hope that he will win his application to enter the country, and that fans will be able to see him in action in Indian Wells and Miami," the two bodies wrote in a joint statement.

The 1-year-old Serbian world No. 35 has asked the US authorities for a special entry permit to the United States, for which he is waiting for a response. Washington does not allow entry to unvaccinated international travelers and the US Transportation Security Agency (TSA) recently indicated that this measure would not change until mid-April, at least.

Draw on Monday

But the Indian Wells tournament begins next Wednesday in the California desert, until March 19, and will be followed by the Miami Open from March 22 to April 2. Djokovic, co-record holder for the most Grand Slams won (22) with Rafael Nadal, said in Dubai this week that he was still waiting to see if the United States would grant him that permission. "If it is denied, I will withdraw from the tournament of course, before the draw," he said before conceding the first defeat of his season in the semifinals against Daniil Medvedev.

Due to his vaccination status, Djokovic was expelled from Australia shortly before the 2022 edition of the Major in Melbourne. And he was not allowed to come to the United States to defend his chances at Indian Wells or the US Open. The last time he played a game on American soil was at Flushing Meadows in 2021.

  • Tennis
  • Sport
  • Novak Djokovic
  • Covid 19
  • USA
  • Indian wells