Novak Djokovic’s exemption request to enter USA for Sunshine Double denied confirms Florida’s Senator
Florida Senator Rick Scott confirms that Novak Djokovic’s exemption request denied by US authorities making him ineligible for the Sunshine Double.
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Novak Djokovic
In heartbreaking news for Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, his hopes to participate in the Indian Wells and the Miami tournaments have come to an end. It is reported that his request for an exemption has been denied by the US Department of Homeland Security, leaving him ineligible to enter the country.
Indian Wells Masters will start in a couple of days with Miami Open following later in the month. Given the unchanging stand of the country, the exemption was already highly unlikely. Now Rick Scott, Senator from the state of Florida, has confirmed the news giving an end to speculations.
“BREAKING: We have been told that @DHSgov just denied @DjokerNole’s vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in CA & in the @MiamiOpen,” the senator posted on Twitter.
? BREAKING: We have been told that @DHSgov just denied @DjokerNole‘s vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in CA & in the @MiamiOpen. @JoeBiden must fix this NOW, grant the waiver & allow him to compete here in the states. https://t.co/TSD10yM8u6
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 3, 2023
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Novak Djokovic’s absence in the Sunshine Double will hurt him and the tournaments as well
The 35-year-old’s participation was in doubt since the beginning. But the Serb was receiving continuous support from all corners. Even the Miami Open and the US Open came out to advocate his entry into the country in hope of a last-minute miracle. Tennis legend Billie Jean King was also one to support Djokovic.
Though there are no official statements from the tournament or the 22-time Grand Slam champion himself there are no options for Djokovic it seems. In the absence of Djokovic, the tournaments will definitely lose some sheen as Spanish Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are out of action as well.
As far as Djokovic is concerned, who is enjoying his historic stay at the peak of the rankings, will stand to lose some valuable points. The Senator has addressed US President Joe Biden to grant him the waiver and allow him to compete in Florida. But, that seems too far-fetched. Thus, at this moment Djokovic’s train seems to have derailed completely.
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