“What can I do,” Novak Djokovic addresses his ban from entering USA amidst latest policy revision
The 22-time Grand Slam winner has seen his hopes of participating at Indian Wells vanish as USA extended vaccination requirements for foreign visitors to April 10th
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic will not be participating in the 2023 Indian Wells and Miami Open after the USA extended its ban on unvaccinated non-citizens until April, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide. Djokovic is publicly unvaccinated, missing the Australian and US Opens in 2022 due to the rules against unvaccinated people in these countries.
“Look, if it is official, then it is. I mean, what can I do? Nothing, that’s it. You know my position. It is what it is. I’m hoping (to participate), but if I can’t go, I can’t go,” Djokovic told reporters after advancing to the Adelaide International 1 quarterfinal. Djokovic spoke on Thursday after defeating Quentin Halys 7-6(3) 7-6(5).
Novak Djokovic was first reported to be unvaccinated before the 2022 Australian Open. The Serbian legend was detained and then deported from Australia as he had entered the country without taking a vaccine. Djokovic clarified his stance on vaccination in February in an interview with the BBC. He stated that he does not have a problem with the vaccination program. He had not taken the shot himself because he is cautious about what he puts into his body and believes the vaccine could harm his health.
Djokovic, however, said he is open-minded about being vaccinated in the future. He missed multiple tournaments in 2022 due to his unvaccinated status. His non-participations also led him to finish the year as World Number 5. He also missed the chance to match Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles.
However, the Serb lifted the Wimbledon in 2022. This victory took his Grand Slam tally title to a record 21, putting him second in the all-time Grand Slam titles list. However, the 35-year-old will be keen to have a go at his favoritet tournament. Djokovic is a 9-time winner of the Australian Open, making him the most successful player at the tournament. He will be keen to win again, especially after last year’s controversy.
Related: A year on, Novak Djokovic stands vindicated before the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic reaches Adelaide International quarterfinals
Djokovic won his second match of 2023 on Thursday. The World Number 5 made a remarkable comeback after trailing 2-5 in the first set. He beat Frenchman Quentin Halys but was pushed all the way by the 26-year-old.
Djokovic said, “He was serving big, hitting his spots and on a fast court like this it’s tough to break, so two tie-breaks is a realistic score in today’s match. I’m glad to overcome the challenge.” Djokovic matched the challenge and is now 12-0 in career meetings against Halys.
The Serbian will now face Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals at the Adelaide International. Djokovic will be optimistic as he has won every match against the Canadian. Djokovic will be happy to get his season to a winning start as he aims to go far in the upcoming Australian Open.
Related: Novak Djokovic talks of his relationship with Nick Kyrgios since his deportation
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)