Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, one of the most high-profile unvaccinated athletes in the world, has applied for special permission to enter the United States to play at the Indian Wells and Miami Open, his brother Djordje said on Friday.
The US vaccine requirement for foreign air travellers is not expected to be lifted before main draw action at Indian Wells starts on March 9. The Miami Open runs from March 22 to April 2.
World No.1 Djokovic was named this week on the entry list for Indian Wells, where he is a five-time champion.
“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,” Djordje told Serbian news agency Tanjug.
“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.”
Last month, Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said it would be a “disgrace” if Djokovic was not allowed to compete at Indian Wells and other tournaments in the US this year.
Djokovic missed last year’s Australian Open and was deported from the country due to his vaccine status. He regained entry into the tournament this year and won it to claim a record-tying 22nd grand slam title.
The 35-year-old has previously said he would miss grand slams rather than receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
His expected absence notwithstanding, there will still be plenty of talent on show. Teenage world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion Taylor Fritz were among those named on the entry list on Wednesday, as was Spanish great Rafael Nadal, who is managing a return from injury that led to his second-round exit at the Australian Open.
On the women’s side, worldNo.1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek, Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenkaand young American stars Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauffwill compete for the prestigious title.
Isner record
American John Isner entered the ATP Tour record books on Friday by becoming the first man to win 500 tour-level tiebreaks in his 7-6(8) 7-5 victory over Emilio Gomez in the Dallas Open quarter-finals.
Isner’s 500 career tie-break victories put him 34 ahead of Swiss great Roger Federer on the Open Era list, with Pete Sampras (328) third.