“I have the support of directors of Indian Wells and Miami,” Novak Djokovic still in dark about playing in Sunshine Double and the USA
Novak Djokovic clarifies his position in getting the entry into the USA for the Sunshine Double and the US Open as official confirmation awaited.
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has been in the wings to enter the USA for a long time now. Despite the Covid-19 situation improving globally, the USA didn’t allow the Serb to enter last year. For the record, Djokovic has not taken the Covid-19 vaccination and has no plans to take it at least till he retires.
Having played the 2021 edition of the US Open, Djokovic was banned from all events in the USA in 2022. The decision was mocked, questioned, and ridiculed as despite him playing in 2021, he was banned in 2022. The ban was a result of the government policy to not allow unvaccinated foreigners while Americans irrespective of their vaccination were free to roam in the country.
As the focus shifts to the Sunshine Double, the two big Masters-1000 events, Djokovic is still unsure whether he can play this year. The latest update by Washington stated that from May 11th, 2023 onwards unvaccinated personnel can enter the country. If the policy is the final decision, Djokovic misses out on the Sunshine Double. He has nevertheless applied for an exemption of which he is yet to receive a reply.
“The process is ongoing and that’s all I know. These are things that are out of my control. Of course I would like to play and I’ve got the support of the directors of Indian Wells and Miami. They want me to come, I want to come and I hope to get a positive response from a third party as well,” said the Serb speaking in his press conference held in Belgrade today.
Novak Djokovic says the ban from entering the US doesn’t affect him
Having finished as the runner-up in the 2021 US Open, Novak Djokovic lost 1200 points when he was not allowed for the 2022 US Open. With points removed from Wimbledon and deportation from Australia, Djokovic lost 5200 points without any chance to defend them. As a result, he fell down in rankings to as low as World No. 8. He has however made the climb to the top once again by winning the 2023 Australian Open.
“I missed them last year as well I hope I won’t this year, but my attitude is the way it is and it won’t change. I don’t think these things affect me much, and I showed that at the Australian Open. The US Open is far away and I hope I can be there, that’s all I can tell you. I felt a lot of support there in 2021, something I didn’t have the chance to do before. I want to come back and win there again and I will try to get the most out of any event.
“Last year I didn’t play at all for the first few months and those were extraordinary circumstances that had little to do with tennis. This year started off great and is already better than last year. There is plenty of self-confidence. Even if there is no America, I believe I will be in good shape and will have more time to prepare for the country that requires the most preparation,” added the 22-time Grand Slam singles title winner.
Djokovic was nevertheless named on the entry list of the Sunshine Double but that’s because of his rankings. He stands a chance to make the main draw till the last moment but it all depends on the exemption, if, provided to him. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Djokovic camp as they look to get the chance to compete at the biggest tournaments.
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Sarthak Shitole
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