Novak Djokovic denied U.S. entry again, out of Miami tournament

Field Level Media
18 Mar 2023, 20:10 GMT+10

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic won't take part in the Miami Open next week, as he was denied entry again to the United States over his lack of vaccination against COVID-19.

The U.S. doesn't end its COVID-19 emergency declaration until May 11, which is what currently prevents foreigners traveling via plane to enter the country without being vaccinated. Djokovic, from Serbia, previously pulled out of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Calif., for the same reason.

Miami tournament director James Blake confirmed the news to the Tennis Channel in an interview Friday.

"We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that's out of our hands. We tried, and he wasn't able to play," Blake said.

"Same result that he had in Indian Wells, where I know [fellow tournament director] Tommy Haas did as much as he could. We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn't able to happen.

"We'd love to have him, and he's our greatest champion; he's won six times here. Unfortunately, that's way above my pay grade."

Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott both had appealed to President Joe Biden to grant an exemption for Djokovic, who is tied with Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam wins by a man with 22.

Djokovic, 35, last played in the United States at the U.S. Open in New York in September 2021. He lost to Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the final in straight sets.

Current vaccine rules took effect in October 2021.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Tennis Times.

More Information

null in null

Sports

Section

"Australia had ruined our...": Rohit Sharma on iconic T20 WC 2024 win against 50-over champions

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27 (ANI): India ODI skipper Rohit Sharma opened up and shared his thoughts on the rivalry between...

"Preparing for World Championships in September": Avinash Sable after Asian Athletics Championship success

By Vipul Kashyap Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 27 (ANI): Following the Asian Athletics Championship 2025 success at Gumi, South...

From the "ideal T20 ball" to "game-changer knock", Rohit opens up on T20 WC 2024 win

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 26 (ANI): India's T20 World Cup winning skipper Rohit Sharma capturing the short format's biggest...

Chennai Bulls, Hyderabad Heroes register big wins in season 1 of RPL

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 26 (ANI): The Chennai Bulls and the Hyderabad Heroes put on quite the show for their fans, as they...

Powerful Chennai Bulls dominate Kalinga Black Tigers in Rugby Premier League

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 26 (ANI): The Chennai Bulls put in a clinical performance on the day, as they demolished the Kalinga...

Cricket Ireland confirms departure of Warren Deutrom from his position after 19 years

Dublin [Ireland], June 26 (ANI): Cricket Ireland on Thursday announced the departure of Chief Executive Officer, Warren Deutrom, from...

Lifestyle

Section

Rajasthan CM Sharma expresses grief over Rudraprayag bus mishap

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], June 26 (ANI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday expressed grief and offered condolences...

"Hindi should not be made compulsory in primary education": Sharad Pawar calls for focus on mother tongue

Satara (Maharashtra) [India], June 26 (ANI): Amid the ongoing debate over the Maharashtra government's alleged move to make Hindi compulsory...

Loss of lives and missing persons in rain-hit Himachal "extremely distressing": Priyanka Gandhi as she urges govt to ensure maximum safety

New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday called the situation in rain-hit Himachal Pradesh...