17 March 2023 , 22:54
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Novak Djokovic has had to withdraw from the Miami Open despite organisers insisting they "tried everything" to allow him to play in the tournament.
Some 14 months after the explosive saga which saw him deported out of Melbourne the day before the Australian Open began, a refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 continues to plague his career. He was able to make a triumphant return to Melbourne Park this January however, after his visa ban was revoked.
But the 22-time Grand Slam champion is still not permitted to enter the US, with the country maintaining its ban on unvaccinated travellers. The ruling cost the Serb a place at the Indian Wells Masters this month, but he retained hope he could be granted an exemption for next week's Miami Open.
However, on Friday, tournament director James Blake confirmed the six-time winner would not be playing, to the regret of organisers. "We tried everything to allow Novak Djokovic to enter with an exemption, but that didn't happen," he told the Tennis Channel.
"It is obvious that we are one of the biggest tournaments and we would love to have all the best players in the world. We were trying to talk to the government, but that decision was not in our hands."
Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear
President Joe Biden resisted political pressure to permit Djokovic to enter the US, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis penning an open letter urging him to let the star compete. DeSantis even offered to 'run' Djokovic a boat from the Bahamas to help him enter America.
Novak Djokovic celebrating winning the Australian Open last month after his visa ban was revoked (Getty Images)Djokovic, 35, now has little choice but to turn his attention to the clay court season, with the French Open getting underway at Roland Garros on Monday, May 29. His next scheduled event is in Monte Carlo, starting on April 8.
In February, the Serb made history after entering his 378th week on top of the men's rankings. He already had the honour of the most time spent there in the male game, but the marker broke the overall record that had belonged to German icon Steffi Graf.
But a month without action now leaves his No 1 spot in jeopardy. Despite the impact on his career record though, Djokovic has continually insisted he won't get vaccinated simply to compete in tennis events.