21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is set to face more problems in 2023 concerning his schedule after the United States updated their entry requirements for foreign visitors.
On Wednesday the Transport Security Administration (TSA) updated its emergency amendment concerning travel requirements for those arriving in the country. All foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they qualify for a medical exemption. This applies to all flights departing at or after 00:01 EST (05:01 GMT) on January 9th until at least April 10th.
The development means Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, is likely to miss both the Miami and Indian Wells Masters events for the second year in a row. These events take place during March and offer 1000 ranking points to the champion.
Djokovic missed a series of tournaments throughout 2022 due to not being jabbed and was involved in a high-profile legal battle with Australian authorities which resulted in his deportation from the country. At the time the Serbian said he was told he could enter the country via a medical exemption but the border force deemed that reason as invalid. Djokovic was initially hit with a three-year ban from re-entering Australia but the latest government waived that penalty in November.
Last year the former world No.1 said on multiple occasions that he is willing to miss tournaments due to his stance on the vaccination. Djokovic, who confirmed to the BBC that he did receive vaccinations as a child, argues that people should have the freedom of choice concerning what is put into their bodies. He has previously expressed caution about the impact the injection might have on him even though it has been declared safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and most other top players have had it.
“I was never against vaccination,” he said in February 2022. “But I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”
Djokovic is currently playing at the Adelaide Open where he has received a warm welcome from fans. On Tuesday he won his first match of 2023 by defeating Constant Lestienne 6-3, 6-2. Later this month he will begin his bid to win a record 10th Australian Open title.
