Djokovic requests permission to enter the United States and play in Sunshine Double, says brother

Novak Djokovic during the 2023 Australian Open

TENNIS Djokovic requests permission to enter the United States and play in Sunshine Double, says brother

Funmilayo Fameso 18:02 - 10.02.2023

Novak Djokovic has submitted the necessary documentation to enter the United States, so as to play in the Indiana Wells and Miami Open.

Newly crowned Australian Open Champion, Novak Djokovic, has requested permission to enter the United States and play in the Indiana Wells and Miami Open, his brother Djordje Djokovic told Serbian news agency Tanjug on Friday.

Novak Djokovic won his 22nd Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open

Djokovic was banned from playing at the Australian and US Open Grand Slams last year due to his Covid-19 vaccination status not taking the vaccine - a vital pass for entering both countries.

Though he's still yet to take the vaccine, he was cleared to play in Australia this year, but there are still restrictions to unvaccinated foreigners entering the United States.

Djokovic needs permission to play in the US due to his Covid-19 vaccine status

The Serb - a five-time Indiana Wells Champion, has now submitted the necessary documentation to play in the Masters tournaments in Indiana Wells and Miami.

"Unfortunately, it is something that is out of our hands," Djordje 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," he added.

"There are a few days left until the decision, we are hoping for a positive outcome," Djordje concluded.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Wells tournament director Tommy Haas was present at the Australian Open and told reporters he hoped the US restrictions will be lifted so it won't be a disgrace to his image.

"It would be nice to see if we could maybe lift those (restrictions) a little earlier and have him come to play Indiana Wells and Miami.

"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 those events, or not allowed to come," said Haas, who has been BNP-Paribas Open tournament director since 2016.

Djokovic won his tenth Australian Open title this year, taking him to world No. 1 on the ATP ranking. It remains to be seen whether he will play in Dubai starting on February 27.

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