Novak Djokovic has asked US authorities for special permission to enter their territory to take part in the tournaments to be held in California and Florida despite the fact that he is not vaccinated against COVID-19, revealed the Serb Wednesday.
The Transportation Security Administration said the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for visitors arriving by air would continue until at least mid-April. The Indian Wells tournament will take place from March 6 to 19, and that of Miami from March 20 to April 2.
“Everything is in process,” said Djokovic, from his training site in Belgrade. I really wish I could be there. »
Djokovic is one of the greatest athletes in the world not to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Last year, the 35-year-old veteran was expelled from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open because of his vaccination status. Djokovic took part in the tournament last month, after Australia lifted their vaccination requirement, en route to claiming their 22nd career Grand Slam title – matching Rafael Nadal’s mark.
Djokovic stressed on Wednesday that Nadal remains his main opponent, despite the meteoric rise of Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who sat atop the world rankings until he suffered a leg injury.
” He [Alcaraz] is obviously the next star of our sport, or he already is, mentioned Djokovic. I just feel like my rivalry with Nadal is unavoidable.
“Nadal was my biggest rival, and he probably will have been throughout my career,” he added.
Djokovic tied another mark this week by joining legendary German player Steffi Graf with a 377th week atop the world rankings.
“Obviously Steffi Graf is one of the greatest players in tennis history, and someone I admire and respect enormously,” Djokovic said. So, of course, it’s flattering to be able to match his mark and have the possibility of surpassing it next week. »
Djokovic stressed that he will participate in the Dubai Open next week.