Topline
Tennis star Novak Djokovic is likely to miss the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments for the second year in a row as the 21-time Grand Slam winner, who has refused to get a Covid-19 vaccine, will not be able to enter the U.S. after the Transport Security Administration’s (TSA) decision to extend its vaccine mandate for all foreign travelers until at least April 10.
Novak Djokovic hits a backhand during his first round Adelaide International tennis match.
Key Facts
The two hard-court tournaments—often deemed the most prestigious events outside of the four grand slams—are set to begin in March.
Djokovic has not discussed his vaccination status recently but has previously said he is careful about everything that goes into his body and he had decided not to take the Covid-19 shot based on all information available to him.
The Serbian tennis star is currently playing in the Adelaide International tennis tournament in Australia, his first tennis event in the country after he was dramatically deported last year due to his vaccination status.
Despite last year’s controversy, the 21-time Grand Slam winner has received a warm reception from crowds in Adelaide.
What To Watch For
Djokovic’s participation in the U.S. Open will depend on when U.S. officials decide to lift the vaccine mandate. The former world number one player missed last year’s final Grand Slam event due to the vaccine mandate. The U.S. now remains the only Grand Slam host nation with a rule banning the entry of unvaccinated foreign visitors.
Key Background
Djokovic’s vaccination status was the subject of one of the biggest controversies in men’s tennis last year. The Serbian star was forced to leave Australia after two weeks of drama, which involved his detention by immigration authorities and a high-profile court case. The deportation cost him a chance to top the all-time list of Grand Slam winners as he was tied on 20 Grand Slams with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the time. Since then, Nadal has gone on to win two more Grand Slams, taking his total to 22 after winning the 2022 Australian Open and French Open while Djokovic’s count stands at 21 following his win at Wimbledon last year. Federer announced his retirement from the sport last year, ending his career with 20 majors. Djokovic, however, has made it clear that he is prepared to miss future events instead of getting vaccinated.
Further Reading
Novak Djokovic to Miss Indian Wells and Miami Open Over US Vaccine Requirement (Bloomberg)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2023/01/04/djokovic-will-likely-miss-indian-wells-and-miami-open-due-to-us-covid-vaccine-mandate/