Unvaccinated Djokovic requests special permission to play U.S. tournaments

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."

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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. Djokovic returned to the tournament in January after Australia lifted its strict vaccine mandate to win his 22nd Grand Slam title, tying the record with Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic said Wednesday that Nadal remains his biggest on-court rival despite the rise of 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who had been at the top of the rankings before a leg injury prevented him from playing at the Australian Open.

"[Alcaraz] is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport, or he's already there." Djokovic said. "I just feel that the rivalry with Nadal is something that is difficult to eliminate.

Djokovic reached another milestone in his tennis