Novak Djokovic asks permission to enter US for tournaments due to vaccine status: 'Not in my hands’

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The world’s No. 1 men’s tennis player Novak Djokovic has applied for special permission to enter the United States in order to play in tournaments due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19. 

Djokovic is hoping to compete in March tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami, Florida, after playing in the Dubai Open next week. 

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Tommy Paul of the U.S. in their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.  (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

"My plans after Dubai depend on the U.S. I'm waiting for a reply, it's not on me... I will know soon," Djokovic told reporters after practice in Belgrade, according to Reuters. 

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"Everything is in process. I'm thankful to the Indians 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."

In January, the U.S. government extended the vaccine requirement for foreign air travelers until at least April 10. 

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning the first set against Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.  (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Djokovic, who won the 2023 Australian Open in January for his 22nd Grand Slam title, was deported from Australia last year due to being unvaccinated. 

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He has previously stated that