Unvaxxed Djokovic begs USA for special permission to enter the country

Unvaxxed Novak Djokovic confirms he has begged US officials for special permission to enter the country for tournaments in Miami and Florida next month – despite STILL refusing the jab

• Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia last year over his vaccine status
• He has applied for entry to US to play in Indian Wells and Miami Open in March
• Click here for all your latest international sports news from DailyMail.com 

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he has asked American authorities for special permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida – despite being unvaccinated against Covid-19.

The Transportation Security Administration has said the requirement for foreign air travelers to be fully vaccinated against the disease would be in place at least until mid-April. The tournament in Indian Wells will be played from March 6-19 and the Miami Open is scheduled from March 20-April 2.

‘Everything is currently in the process,’ Djokovic said at his training ground in Belgrade on Wednesday. ‘I have a big desire to be there.

‘I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (officials) and community for their support publicly and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments.’

Djokovic is one of the most high-profile athletes who is unvaccinated against COVID-19.

Novak Djokovic opened up on his US plans at his training center in Belgrade on Wednesday

The tennis legend last played in America in 2021, when he lost the final of the US Open (above)

Last year, the 35-year-old Djokovic was deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open because of his vaccination status. Djokovic returned to the tournament in January after Australia lifted its strict vaccine mandate to win his 22nd Grand Slam title, tying the record with Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic said Wednesday that Nadal remains his biggest on-court rival despite the rise of 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who had been at the top of the rankings before a leg injury prevented him from playing at the Australian Open.

‘(Alcaraz) is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport, or he´s already there.’ Djokovic said. ‘I just feel that the rivalry with Nadal is something that is difficult to eliminate.

Five-time winner hasn’t played in Indian Wells since 2019 due to the US’s vaccine requirements

He admitted on Wednesday that he plans to play at Indian Wells and Miami – if he’s allowed

‘Nadal has been the biggest rival and he probably will remain the biggest rival I ever had in my in my career.’

Djokovic reached another milestone in his tennis career this week by tying German great Steffi Gaff with 377 weeks at the top of the world rankings.

‘Obviously, Steffi Graf is one of the biggest legends of our sport, both men and women tennis, and someone that I truly admire and respect,’ Djokovic said. ‘So, of course, it´s very flattering that I am able to equal her record and obviously have a possibility to break it as well the next week.’

Djokovic said his next tournament will be next week’s Dubai Open.

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