Move FM Australian News

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is seeking an exemption to enter the United States to play in upcoming tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami.

Under current U.S. regulations, Djokovic — like most foreigners arriving by air — is required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. He has been staunch in his decision to remain unvaccinated, even being deported by authorities before the 2022 Australian Open because of it.

The rule is set to be lifted on May 11. Play is scheduled to begin March 8 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., and two weeks later at the Miami Open.

Both are Masters 1000 tournaments.

Speaking with reporters in his native Serbia on Wednesday, Djokovic said he is awaiting the exemption.

“It’s not in my hands, I am waiting for an answer,” he said, as translated by Sport Klub. “All I know is that the process is ongoing, but I am glad I have the support of the tournament directors. I just hope that the third party, which makes the decision, will think the same.”

Djokovic, 35, next will play at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where he is a five-time winner. It will be his first tournament appearance since he won the Australian Open in January, which tied him with Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam titles by a male player with 22.

–Field Level Media