BELGRADE, Serbia — Novak Djokovic has asked American authorities for special permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida despite being unvaccinated against the coronavirus, the top-ranked Serb said Wednesday.
The Transportation Security Administration has said the requirement for foreign air travelers to be fully vaccinated against the disease would be in place at least until mid-April.
The tournament in Indian Wells will be played from March 6-19 and the Miami Open is scheduled from March 20-April 2. «Everything is currently in the process,» Djokovic said at his training ground in Belgrade. «I have a big desire to be there. »I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (officials) and community for their support publicly and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments." Djokovic is one of the most high-profile athletes who is unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Last year, the 35-year-old Djokovic was deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open because of his vaccination status.