Novak Djokovic is one of the most famous people in the world saying no to the COVID-19 vaccine. These are the things that caused him to get into a lot of trouble over the past 1 year, when he should have dominated the felt ball village and conquered the greatest records.
Early last year, Djokovic was deported by the Australian government and threatened with a three-year ban from entry for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. The Serbian player of course cannot participate in the Australian Open 2022, where he is the defending champion. The same thing happened at the US Open 2022, when the US government also implemented strict epidemic prevention rules.
Djokovic’s pick not only made him lose the right to defend two Grand Slam titles, but also caused him to lose the No. 1 position on the ATP rankings after 373 weeks of holding.
However, things have become easier for Djokovic, after the pandemic was defeated around the world. Many countries return to the new normal and relax their epidemic prevention and control regulations, including those on entry.
Returning to the Australian Open earlier this year, Djokovic quickly proved his class with a convincing championship. The victory of this 35-year-old tennis player made the fans admire, because he only recovered from a hamstring injury just before. In addition, Djokovic also missed the rhythm of competition throughout 2022.
After conquering Australia both on rules and on the tennis court, Djokovic aims for another goal: Overcoming the US epidemic prevention barrier to attend the US Open 2023. According to the regulations established from 2021 to now, the US do not allow any foreigners who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 into the country.
The problem is, this rule is becoming obsolete. According to the NY Times, even pro-vaccine experts believe it is time for the United States to open up more. The US still makes some exceptions, except for some special cases, but Djokovic is unlikely to be in this group.
Moreover, Djokovic not only wants to “fight” for himself, but also wants to find normalcy for all those who are not vaccinated. So Djokovic’s team began a series of phone calls and lobbying. They contacted people who might have been in contact with the administration of President Joe Biden, including legendary tennis player Billie Jean King.
Currently, this process is not very successful. Djokovic’s door to the US remains closed. However, the Serbian star and his associates are not deterred. They have been participating in this “war” for more than a year. Dojkovic is sacrificing the opportunity to accumulate points on the ATP rankings by missing the BNP Paribas Open, and possibly the Miami Open later this month.
Andrea Gaudenzi, president of the ATP Tour, called Djokovic’s withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Open a “huge disappointment”. Gaudenzi said: “This decision is regrettable not only for him but also for the league and our fans, especially as COVID-19 restrictions around the world and in the US have been eased. . He is the number one player in the world and everyone in the tennis world wants him to have the opportunity to compete at our biggest events.”
Also according to the NY Times, there are four special figures working in the tennis industry as well as the US government, trying to find a way to bring Djokovic into this country. They requested anonymity to avoid damaging their relationship with the administration of President Joe Biden.
IMG, the sports and entertainment group that represents Djokovic, also enlisted government and immigration groups to petition the Joe Biden administration to deregulate COVID-19 vaccination. IMG has many reasons to fight for Djokovic, because they are the company that owns the Miami Open.
IMG executives contacted Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican who, along with Senator Rick Scott, another Florida Republican, wrote a letter urging the president’s administration. President Joe Biden ends vaccination requirements. They expect to make a big turning point before next June, ensuring Djokovic can focus on preparing for the US Open 2023.
Djokovic has only one criterion for an exemption from entering the US
According to regulations posted on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Djokovic has only one criterion for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination. It is to demonstrate that his presence in the United States “will be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees). their) this country”.
Djokovic has not given up on the Miami Open 2023
Djokovic was denied a vaccine waiver request by the Department of Homeland Security and forced to withdraw from Indian Wells. However, the world No. 1 has not given up hope of participating in the Miami Open 2023. Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic said: “We will not give up until the last minute. He wants to play and I believe they also want to see him on the American tennis court again. That’s good for all.”
