Djokovic applies to enter the USA to play the Sunshine Double, per his brother

Novak Djokovic has requested permission to enter the United States to play in Indian Wells and Miami

Novak Djokovic, Indian Wells 2019 | © Chryslène Caillaud / Panoramic

February 10, 2023

World No 1 Novak Djokovic has delivered the necessary documentation in order to play in the Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, his brother Djordje Djokovic told Serbian news agency Tanjug on Friday.

Due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, Djokovic – a five-time Indian Wells champion – cannot currently enter the United States. The US is planning to lift its travel restrictions in May.

“Unfortunately, it is something that is out of our hands,” the youngest of the three Djokovic brothers told Tanjug. “Novak needs to get a special permission to enter, considering that the USA still doesn’t let unvaccinated foreigners into the country, which is unbelievable, considering that we have seen big sporting manifestations with unvaccinated athletes throughout the world.”

Haas hopes Djokovic can play

During the Australian Open, Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas told reporters that he hoped for Djokovic to play.

“It would be nice to see if we could maybe lift those (restrictions) a little earlier and have him come to play Indian Wells and Miami,” said Haas, who has been BNP-Paribas Open tournament director since 2016. “I think he wants to play, so we should give him the chance. Hopefully, we can have him there. I mean, it would be a disgrace in my eyes if he wasn’t coming to these events, or not allowed to come.”

Per Djordje’s words, Novak and his team have delivered a request for Djokovic to be let into the country.

“There are a few days left until the decision, we are hoping for a positive outcome,” added Djordje Djokovic.

Following his Australian Open victory, Djokovic took a ten-day rest before coming to Belgrade to start practising again.

It remains to be seen whether the world No 1 will play in Dubai starting 27th February, considering that he struggled with a hamstring injury throughout his Australian Open campaign.