Novak Djokovic faces hammer blow as vaccine issues resurface
Novak Djokovic’s hopes of playing a full season on the ATP Tour have been dashed after it emerged he is set to miss key events in America.
Djokovic was absent from the four ATP 1000 events in North America last year and also missed the US Open, as all foreign travellers are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
There was an expectation that the rules would be relaxed in America in the coming months, but the recent surge in Covid cases around the world has seen the US authorities extend their vaccine requirement until at least April 10.
That ensures the unvaccinated Djokovic will be ruled out of both the Indian Wells and Miami Masters events in March, but he problems are unlikely to end there.
Unless Covid rates fall around the world, US authorities are expected to continue their vaccine requirement for foreign visitors.
And with China ending its Covid zero policy and concerns over a fresh wave of the virus sweeping around the world, Djokovic’s hopes of playing in the Toronto and Cincinnati ATP 1000 events in August must be under threat.
He may also be forced to sit out the final major of the year once again, with the US Open set to take place at the end of August.
Tennis365 ran a story last week highlighting Djokovic’s looming issues with entry to America and while his vocal fans on social media were eager to dismiss the report, it now seems certain that the Serb’s hopes of competing in all the big events of this tennis year are now doomed.
Speaking ahead of his return, Djokovic said his deportation would stick with him for the rest of his life but that he was happy to return to Australia and seek a 10th Australian Open title.
“You can’t forget those events,” he said. “It’s one of these things that sticks with you, it stays with you for I guess the rest of your life. It was something that I’ve never experienced before, and hopefully never again.
“But it is a valuable life experience for me. I have to move on. Coming back to Australia speaks how I feel about this country, how I feel about playing here.
“I was really hoping that I’m going to have my permission back to get back into Australia and play here because it’s a country where I’ve had tremendous success in my career.
“I always felt great in Australia. I always played my best tennis, received a lot of support. Hopefully I can have another great summer.”
With the world opened up after vaccines helped to stem the impact of the Covid pandemic, many will view Djokovic’s ongoing ban from key events as unjust.
Former British No.1 Annabel Croft described Djokovic’s treatment as ‘appalling’, as he missed large chunks of the 2022 season due to his stance on vaccines.
“I think it’s appalling what’s happened and the way it’s turned out for Djokovic,” Croft told Tennis365.
“I just think the whole thing is a mess. Not being able to play Australian and the US Open was just ridiculous.”
Djokovic supporters are certain to echo Croft’s comments and there is no doubt that his absence from the American events will be a blow to the prestige of the events.
It will also have a big impact on Djokovic’s hopes of regaining the world No 1 ranking that he lost in 2022 primarily due to his absence from events in North America.
READ MORE: Will Novak Djokovic get a positive reaction from Australian fans?
