Novak Djokovic: Will he be able to play in Indian Wells without vaccination?

Novak Djokovic Apply to the US authorities for a special permit to enter the country and be able to compete in two Masters Series tournaments in California and Florida despite not being vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The United States Transportation Security Administration has indicated that foreign travelers must have completed a full vaccination schedule against it COVID-19 It will remain in effect until at least mid-April.

Championship in Indian Wells will be played between on March 6th and 19th and the Miami Open will take place between March 20th and April 2nd. Both correspond to the Masters 1000 series, which is in the hierarchy of Tennis They are just under four Grand Slam dates.

“Everything is happening right now,” the Serbian star said at his training ground in Belgrade. “I have a great desire to be there.”

“I am very grateful (to my managers) for the championships Indian wells And Miami and the cities for their fan support and they want to count on me to compete in their championships.”

Djokovic, 35, is one of the greatest figures in world sport They have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Last year, Djokovic was deported from Australia in the run-up to the Australian Open for failing to get vaccinated. He returned to the tournament last January after Australia lifted its strict vaccination protocol He won his 22nd Grand Slam title to be tied with Rafael Nadal in the all-time record.

Djokovic said on Wednesday that Nadal remains his biggest court rival despite the sacking of Carlos Alcaraz, the 19-year-old Spanish prodigy. Alcaraz rose to number one after winning the US Open last September, but was unable to play in Australia due to an injury in Australia.

“You can say he (Alcaraz) is the next big star in our sport or he really is,” Djokovic said.

“Nothing but rivalry with Nadal is something that is difficult to eliminate in such a short time.”

“Nadal was and probably will be my biggest rival in my entire career,” he added.

Djokovic reached another milestone in his tennis career this week by matching German legend Steffi Graf with a… It has accumulated 377 weeks at the top of the ranking.

“Stevie Graf is one of the great legends of our sport, both in women’s and men’s tennis, someone I really respect and admire,” said Djokovic. “Of course it’s so much fun to be able to match his mark and get a chance to crack it next week.”

Djokovic confirmed that his next tournament will be the Dubai Open.

Instructions