Novak Djokovic in Sanremo? Nothing more than a marketing gimmick
SinceNovak Djokovic is unlikely to be allowed to start in Miami, the organizers of the Challenger tournament in Sanremo offered the world number one a wildcard. However, the ATP statutes prohibit participation.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Mar 15, 2023, 07:03 am
While the world elite are playing out the first Masters 1000 trophy of the season these days, Novak Djokovic is doomed to watch. The reason: Because of his lack of vaccination against the corona virus, the 22-time Grand Slam winner was not allowed to enter the USA. It seems practically impossible that the Serb will receive a special permit in time for the event in Miami (March 22 to April 2).
The organizers of the ATP 125 Challenger tournament in Sanremo (March 27 to April 2) apparently wanted to take advantage of the moment and quickly offered the world number one a wildcard. "Nole, come to Sanremo," the organizers wrote on Instagram in a post showing Djokovic after his tournament win in the Italian coastal city in 2005.
"We look forward to seeing you. We still have your trophy and we hope to present it to you and see you play on our pitches again. We'll reserve your wildcard, trust us," the organizers continued. However, courting Djokovic is nothing more than a marketing gimmick.
Because the ATP statutes prohibit Djokovic from starting in Sanremo. Players ranked 1st through 10th in the world rankings 21 days prior to a Category 125 Challenger tournament will not be eligible to participate. Accordingly, Djokovic will only return to the tour at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo (April 9th to 16th).