Karine Jean-Pierre dodges question on unvaxxed tennis player Djokovic: 'Abide by our country's rule'

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reacted Wednesday to a question on tennis superstar Novak Djokovic and his vaccination status.

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was the subject of debate Wednesday after one reporter asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to respond to calls for Djokovic to be allowed to play in the U.S.

Djokovic, the number one ranked tennis player in the world, has been denied entry to the United States, seemingly as a result of his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

When asked to respond to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent calls for Djokovic to be allowed to compete in the Miami Open tennis tournament, Jean-Pierre referred the reporter to the CDC.

"So, on a question of regarding the vaccination requirement, I would refer you to the CDC. They’re the ones who deal with that. It’s still in place, and we expect everyone to abide by our country’s rule, whether as a participant or a spectator." 

NOVAK DJOKOVIC WITHDRAWS FROM BNP PARIBAS OPEN AFTER BEING DENIED ENTRY TO US OVER COVID-VACCINE STATUS

Djokovic (pictured right), has been denied entry to the United States, possibly as a result of his refusal to get the COVID vaccine. ((AP Photo/Dita Alangkara))

She continued, emphasizing that the BNP Paribas Open, a high-profile tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, was also responsible for the decision. 

"As for what goes on specifically with the BNP Open, those are questions for them. It is a private entity, and so we will let them speak to that. But again, this is something that the CDC speaks to."

President Joe Biden has come under fire for his continued refusal to allow Djokovic, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, the ability to compete in the United States.

DeSantis