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FILE PHOTO: Novak Djokovic of Serbia.REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Novak Djokovic said “it is what it is” Thursday as he faced the prospect of missing another tournament in the United States for refusing to take the coronavirus.
The former world number one will miss the prestigious Indian Wells and Miami Open ATP 1000 events after US authorities extended the requirement that international visitors be vaccinated against Covid-19.
“I’ve seen it, but I don’t think it’s official, so when it’s official we can talk about it,” said the Serbian 21-time Grand Slam champion in Adelaide, where he is preparing for the Australian Open.
When journalists at the press conference noted the statement of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), he replied: “I mean, if it’s official then – what can I do? nothing. You know my position, so that’s how it is.
“I hope (to play), but if I can’t go, I can’t go,” the 35-year-old said.
The TSA has reportedly extended the ban on unvaccinated non-citizens through April, with Indian Wells from March 6-19 and the Miami Open from March 19-April 2.
Djokovic was prevented from entering the United States to play in the US Open last year because of his vaccination status, after being deported from Australia in January before the Australian Open for the same reason.
He was initially banned from Australia for three years after losing a high-stakes legal battle, but the requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination has been lifted and the ban lifted.
Speaking about the Australian experience last week, Djokovic said: “You can’t forget that event. It’s one of those things that stays with you, it stays with you for I guess the rest of your life.
“It’s something I’ve never experienced before, and I hope I never will.”
The Serbian has dropped to fifth in the world and risks losing up to 2,000 ranking points if he misses Indian Wells and Miami.
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