Novak Djokovic, Indian Wells and Miami: Does Joe Biden have to do it now?
Novak Djokovic 's start at the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami is still shaking violently. Does the US President now have to help?
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Mar 04, 2023, 09:16 am
Due to his lack of vaccination against the corona virus, Novak Djokovic had already missed all tournaments in the USA in the previous year - he had been forbidden from entering the country. It is all the more remarkable that the Djoker is currently back at the top of the world rankings without the valuable points from US events (including Indian Wells, Miami, Cincinnati, US Open).
However, the scenario could repeat itself, at least for the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami: The US had extended its vaccination requirement for entry of non-US residents until April 10th.
Djokovic is still hoping for a solution and is getting support.
As Florida Senator Rick Scott announced on Friday night, the Department of Homeland Security had rejected an exemption for Djokovic. Together with colleague Marco Rubio, he then wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden to let Djokovic into the country.
USTA and US Open also support Djokovic
The US tennis association USTA and the US Open also made their hope for Djokovic entry public. "Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen," a US Open tweet said. It is hoped that his petition will be successful and that his fans will be able to see him in Indian Wells and Miami.
Djokovic himself said in Dubai that he was hoping for quick permission from the US authorities. And otherwise withdraw before the draw (otherwise the draw would be scrambled). This will take place on Monday March 6th at 3pm local time in Indian Wells.
Djokovic also stated that if he did not appear at the big hard court events in California and Florida, he would probably start his preparation on sand.
The 35-year-old was eliminated by Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals in Dubai on Friday, after a flawless record to date in 2023 with tournament wins in Adelaide and at the Australian Open.