Novak Djokovic will not play in the Miami Open after failing to receive a waiver to enter the United States despite not being vaccinated for Covid-19.
Tournament director James Blake told The Tennis Channel that the world number one, the six-time Miami champion, was denied entry despite the best efforts of tournament officials.
“We’re doing everything we can. We’re trying to talk to the government but it’s not in our hands,” Blake said before the start of the tournament next week.
“We tried and he couldn’t play, the same result as in Indian Wells.”
Djokovic was not allowed to enter the Masters 1000 event in the California desert.
“We’re happy to have him and he’s the biggest champion, six times here, so we’re always happy to have him here, but unfortunately it’s more than my salary,” Blake said.
Djokovic has missed other events because he was not vaccinated against Covid, but was allowed to participate in this year’s Australian Open and won his 10th crown in Melbourne for his 22nd career Grand Slam title – level with Spain’s Rafael Nadal for the all-time men’s record.
“We exhausted all the options that we knew we could handle,” Blake said. “I hope Novak will come back next year.”
US authorities are expected to ease the vaccination entry requirement in May, which would allow Djokovic to play at the US Open.
“Hopefully he’ll be back in all the events later in the States, Cincinnati and the US Open,” Blake said.
[[[[