Novak Djokovic seeking special permission to go into US despite COVID vaccine mandates, his brother says

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Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has applied for special permission to go into america with a purpose to play in the Indian Wells and Miami Open, his brother Djordje revealed, despite an existing requirement for foreign air travelers entering the country to have taken a COVID vaccine. According to Reuters, the existing vaccine mandate isn’t expected to be lifted before both tournaments begin in March.

Djokovic, 35, has grow to be arguably the most prominent athlete on the earth to not take a COVID vaccine, sticking by his decision despite being deported from Australia before the 2022 Australian Open because of his vaccination status. Djokovic made his triumphant return to the Australian Open this year after the country’s strict vaccine mandates were discarded, winning the tournament for his 22nd Grand Slam title.

“Novak has to obtain special permission as the U.S. is still denying entry to non-vaccinated persons, which is simply incredible as the whole world is open and sports events feature vaccinated and non-vaccinated athletes alike,” Djordje Djokovic told Serbian news agency Tanjug. “Novak has submitted the entire required documentation and a request, and the directors of the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments have publicly said Novak is needed at those tournaments and that they would like him to come. There are just a few days to go before a decision is made and what remains for us to do is hope for a positive outcome.”

Right now, existing vaccine mandates for foreign air travelers to the U.S. are expected to be lifted in mid-April. But in Djokovic’s case, there was hope that a resolution may also be worked out, a sentiment that has been expressed the entire way up to Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas.

“It would be nice to see whether we could possibly lift those a little earlier and have him come to play Indian Wells and Miami,” Haas recently told reporters. “I think he wants to play, so we must give him the chance. Expectantly we will have him there.

“I intent, it would be a shame in my eyes whether he wasn’t coming to these events, or not allowed to come.”


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