Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic said Wednesday that he’s asked United States authorities for special permission to enter the country to play in tennis tournaments in California and Florida, despite being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
According to an Associated Press and ESPN report, the Transportation Security Administration has said the requirement for foreign air travelers to be fully vaccinated would be in place until at least mid-April.
The BNP Paribas Open is scheduled to take place from March 5 through March 20 in Indian Wells, California and the Miami Open is slated for March 19 through April 3.
“Everything is currently in the process,” Djokovic said, per the report. “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.”
The 35-year-old was deported the day before the 2022 Australian Open after he arrived in Melbourne unvaccinated against COVID-19, but those restrictions have since been lifted. Djokovic competed “down under” in January and captured his record 10th crown.
He has two career “three-peats” at the Australian Open, winning the major each year from 2011 to 2013 and then again from 2019 to 2021. Djokovic also won the event in 2008, 2015 and 2016.
His most recent title at the Australian Open put him in a tie with Rafael Nadal for the most overall grand slam singles titles (21) in men’s tennis history. Earlier this week, Djokovic also tied women’s tennis legend Steffi Graf for the most weeks atop the world rankings (377).
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