Djokovic with a special permit in Indian Wells?
Novak Djokovic has requested an exemption to enter the United States. Brother Djorde explained this to the Tanjug agency.
by Robin Huiber
last edit: Feb 10, 2023, 05:57 pm
Novak Djokovic has not had the best experiences with special permits. At the beginning of 2022, the Serbian grandmaster thought that he could travel to the Australian Open with one of these, only to be expelled from the country after all.
A little over a year later, it can therefore be assumed that Djokovic will only board a plane to the USA when it is one hundred percent certain that, as a non-US citizen, he can enter the country unvaccinated. The corresponding regulation will not fall until May, too late for the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
Djokovic record champion in Indian Wells
The now ten-time Australian Open champion would like to take part in them. Which is why he applied to the American authorities for an entry permit, as brother Djorde Djokovic told the Tanjug agency. "Unfortunately, that's not in our hands," said the youngest brother of the world number one. "Novak needs a special permit to enter the country." Which is actually incredible when you see how many sporting events take place around the world with unvaccinated athletes.
Tommy Haas, tournament director in Indian Wells, would certainly welcome the five-time champion with open arms. "I think he wants to play. So we should give him the chance to do that.”
Another question is, of course, whether Novak Djokovic is fit enough to travel to the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami after his injury in Australia. If the intended exemption is approved at all.
Novak Djokovic's last appearance in Indian Wells was in 2019. At that time he lost to Philipp Kohlschreiber in round three.