Novak Djokovic seeking “special permission” to compete in US amid requirements

11 February 2023 , 22:14

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Novak Djokovic won his 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last month (Image: Getty Images)

Tennis star Novak Djokovic is seeking “special permission” to compete in two American tournaments as continued Covid-19 requirements threaten to stop the Serbian.

Djokovic equalled Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles by winning last month's Australian Open and is hoping to continue his early season form in America next month. Indian Wells is the first Masters 1000 taking place between March 6 and 19 which is followed by the Miami Open.

Despite a host of countries dropping their vaccination requirements, the US still require non-residents to have had the vaccine until May 11. Last year Djokovic missed the US Open due to his vaccination status and he is set to need "special permission" to compete in America next month.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas claimed it would be “a disgrace” if the world No.1 is being prevented from travelling to the US. Djokovic's brother Djordje Djokovic hopes that the tennis star can obtain 'special permission' to compete despite the requirements.

"Unfortunately, it is something that is not in our hands," he told Serbian news agency Tanjung. "Novak has to obtain special permission as the US is still denying entry to non-vaccinated persons, which is simply unbelievable as the whole world is open and sports events feature vaccinated and non-vaccinated athletes alike.

Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear

"Novak has submitted all the required documentation and a request, and the directors of the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments have publicly said Novak is needed at those tournaments and that they want him to come. There are only a few days to go before a decision is made and what remains for us to do is hope for a positive outcome."

(Getty Images)

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Djokovic voiced his hopes to return for the 'sunshine double' in America when playing at the Adelaide International, but accepted there was little he could do if the restrictions were still in place.

Indian Wells organiser Haas has voiced his views about the restrictions which could prevent Djokovic from gracing the Masters event.

He told Tennis365: “It would be nice to see if we could maybe lift those a little earlier and have him come to play Indian Wells and Miami. I think he wants to play, so we should give him the chance. Hopefully we can have him there. I mean, it would be a disgrace in my eyes if he wasn’t coming to these events, or not allowed to come.”

Benjamin Goddard