Indian Wells: Novak Djokovic withdrew from this week’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which means the world No. 1 has failed in his quest for a waiver of the Covid-19 immunisation requirement to enter the United States. Djokovic missed the US Open last year owing to Covid-19 limitations in the United States.
Although the world No. 1 is not immunised against COVID-19, Florida Governor Rick Scott has requested US President Joe Biden to permit Novak Djokovic to compete at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
On Wednesday, Djokovic requested a waiver to compete in the ATP Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and the Miami Open on March 19.
But, the Serbian left Indian Wells after Florida senator Rick Scott said that US authorities had turned down the request.
Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis has encouraged the Biden administration to allow Djokovic to compete at the ATP Masters events, describing the refusal as “unfair, unscientific and unjust”.
“I beg you to think it through. Give the American people what they want by putting pandemic politics aside and allowing him to play,” DeSantis sent Biden a letter on Tuesday,
Unvaccinated foreigners are now prohibited from entering the US; however, this restriction is anticipated to cease on May 11 when the government stops its Covid emergency declarations.
Djokovic, who skipped the Australian Open a year ago after being expelled from that nation for lack of immunisation, has stated he would forego the shot rather than compete in Grand Slam events.
He has not competed at Indian Wells or the Miami Open, which together make up the “Sunshine Double,” since 2019. He won his record-tying 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January.
Scott and Florida’s Marco Rubio, a Republican senator, wrote to Biden last week to request that he grant the waiver request.
The United States Tennis Association, the US Open, and Indian Wells event director Tommy Haas were among those who hoped Djokovic would be let entry.
DeSantis stated, “Your administration’s persistent implementation of a stupid, unfounded, and outdated Covid-19 vaccination requirement for international guests is the sole thing preventing Mr Djokovic from competing in this tournament.”
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