Novak Djokovic might discover himself ousted from the No. 1 rating after he was this weekend banned once more from coming into the United States.
Djokovic’s bid to realize entry to the United States for ATP occasions at Indian wells and Miami acquired public help from the US Tennis Association and US Open organisers on Saturday, regardless of having the door slammed shut by authorities officers.
The Serbian star is at the moment barred from coming into the United States as a result of he’s unvaccinated in opposition to Covid-19, however has petitioned US authorities for particular permission to enter.
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According to stories, his request centres on a declaration he has contracted the virus on two earlier events, submitting for a medical exemption on that foundation.
The choice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to disclaim his request has divided opinions with outspoken commentators declaring the 35-year-old is not a public well being threat.
Tennis commentators have additionally voiced their help for Djokovic.
American tennis nice Mardy Fish responded to the news on Twitter, writing: “What a joke”.
US political comic Bill Maher mentioned on HBO’s ‘Real Tim with Bill Maher’: “Imminent danger? Of a man playing tennis? Of a man who has had it twice?
“He’s standing alone. A sport where you stand alone in the middle of a stadium, outside, in a country where everyone has already had it. No imminent danger? This country is stuck on stupid, it just is.”
The US Open Twitter feed featured a publish on Saturday saying American tennis authorities hoped he could be allowed to enter.
“Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen,” the publish mentioned. “The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.”
The Indian Wells ATP 1000 occasion begins subsequent Wednesday within the California desert and is adopted by the distinguished match in Miami.
The United States nonetheless doesn’t enable unvaccinated worldwide travellers to enter the nation, with the Transportation Security Administration just lately indicating the coverage wouldn’t change till no less than mid-April.
Djokovic, one of many highest profile figures to refuse the Covid-19 vaccine, has beforehand been banned from the nation underneath its coverage to shut its border to all guests but to obtain the vaccine.
The White House introduced final month the coverage will likely be scrapped from May 11, however that date could also be introduced ahead.
Djokovic mentioned in Dubai this week that he was nonetheless ready to listen to if the US would give him particular permission to enter, telling reporters that he hoped to listen to a call earlier than the Indian Wells draw is carried out on Monday.
“Whatever the decision is before the draw, if I’m not allowed, I’m going to pull out, of course, before the draw,” the world primary mentioned.
Djokovic’s vaccination standing noticed him deported from Australia shortly earlier than the 2022 Australian Open. After profitable Wimbledon he additionally missed the US Open final yr due to the journey restriction.
He returned to Australia in January, profitable the 2023 Australian Open for a record-equalling twenty second Grand Slam singles title.
He took his match win streak to twenty in Dubai this week earlier than falling on Friday to Daniil Medvedev within the semi-finals
— with AFP
Source: www.news.com.au
