Novak Djokovic denied entry into the US for major tennis events
Serbian tennis star and reigning No. 1 player in the world, Novak Djokovic, has been denied entry into the United States for the March swing of the ATP tour known as the “Sunshine Double” consisting of the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open.
Djovokic, who is not vaccinated for COVID-19, applied for a U. S. government exemption to the rule that unvaccinated non-US residents cannot enter the country unless vaccinated.
Current US rules regarding unvaccinated nonresidents are due to expire on May 11, 2023.
Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz is the defending Miami Open champion.
It opens the curtain to the competitors beyond the Big 3, but many wonder if the tournaments will lose their significance without Djokovic there.
Because the U. S. rules are expected to be relaxed in April, the good news is that Djokovic will be in New York in September to compete for the U.S. Open Grand Slam title.
Former U. S. players such as Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe have spoken out on Novak’s behalf.
Jimmy Connors applauds Djokovic for sticking with his convictions in spite of the adversity he has experienced.
John McEnroe believes it is “absurd” not to allow Djokovic in the country for these 2023 spring tournaments.
Unless there is something else that happens in the next few days to overturn this decision, Djokovic will not be in the U. S. for the March swing of the 2023 tennis season.