Novak Djokovic says he is hoping for a constructive response quickly to his request for particular permission to enter the United States to compete within the huge Masters occasions in Indian Wells and Miami subsequent month.
Djokovic, probably the most high-profile athlete unvaccinated towards COVID-19, added he would return to the ATP tour in Dubai subsequent week after successful a record-extending tenth Australian Open title and his twenty second grand slam final month.
“My plans after Dubai depend on the US. I’m waiting for a reply, it’s not on me… I will know soon,” world No.1 Djokovic advised reporters after observe in Belgrade on Wednesday.
“Everything is in process. I’m thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami communities for their support. They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments… I’m looking forward to a positive decision coming soon, but it’s not in my hands.”
The US vaccine requirement for international air travellers isn’t anticipated to be lifted earlier than the primary draw begins at Indian Wells on March 9 and the Miami Open later within the month, that means Djokovic might miss out for a second straight 12 months.
US President Joe Biden’s administration stated final month it could elevate COVID emergency declarations on May 11, however Djokovic — named on the Indian Wells entry checklist — stated he had submitted the required documentation for particular permission.
Indian Wells match director Tommy Haas stated final month it could be a “disgrace” if Djokovic was not allowed to compete within the US in 2023 after the Serbian additionally missed final 12 months’s US Open at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic, who missed final 12 months’s Australian Open and was deported from the nation attributable to his vaccine standing, has stated he would skip grand slams moderately than have a COVID shot.
“Last year, I missed Indian Wells, Miami and the US Open swing so it won’t be the first time if it happens. I hope it doesn’t,” Djokovic stated.
“That’s all I can do because my position stays the same… The US Open is still far away so I hope I’ll be able to be there. It’s one of the four biggest events in our sport’s history.
“Of course I’d like to be there. I’ve acquired probably the most great assist from the New York and American crowd through the 2021 last I misplaced to Daniil Medvedev. But I skilled one thing that I by no means did there earlier than.
“So I want to go back and connect with people and, hopefully, play my best tennis and get another trophy there.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
