Vaccination stops Djokovic from Indian Wells and Miami

Novak Djokovic will again miss Indian Wells and the Miami Open after US authorities extended the vaccination requirement for foreigners. Although coronavirus rules have been relaxed or removed in many countries, proof of vaccination will be required to enter that country until at least April 10.

Both tournaments are among the most prestigious on the ATP calendar outside of the Grand Slams and begin on March 6 and 20, respectively. Since 2019 Novak has not participated in the first two Masters 1000 of the season. The United States requests two doses, so not even time would be enough for the tennis player to put them on.

Djokovic was detained at an immigration hotel upon his arrival in Australia a year ago. The Serbian tennis player was deported after the immigration minister canceled his visa. Rafael Nadal won the title in Melbourne 2022 and is the most Grand Slam winner. He then claimed Roland Garros before Djokovic won Wimbledon to leave the Spaniard ahead 22-21 head-to-head.

With Covid-19 vaccination no longer required to enter Australia, Novak successfully challenged a three-year ban on applying for a visa and got his ongoing season in Adelaide this week.

Djokovic explained his Covid stance in an interview with the BBC in February.

“I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally everyone is trying to make a big effort to manage this virus and hopefully see an end to this virus soon. Vaccination is probably the biggest effort. Respect totally that. But I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put into your body. To me, that’s essential, it’s really the beginning of understanding what’s right and wrong for you. Me, as an elite professional athlete , I have always carefully reviewed, evaluated everything that comes from supplements, food, water, everything that goes into my body for fuel. Based on all the information I got, I decided not to get vaccinated.”

deportes@eleconomista.mx