Tennis-Djokovic is applying for a special permit to enter the United States, the brother says

(Reuters) – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, one of the world’s most high-profile unvaccinated athletes, has applied for a special permit to enter the United States to play in Indian Wells and the Miami Open, his brother Djordje said on Friday.

The vaccine requirement for foreign air travelers in the US is not expected to be lifted until the main event at Indian Wells begins on March 9. The Miami Open takes place from March 22 to April 2.

World number one Djokovic was named to the Indian Wells entry list this week, where he is a five-time champion.

“Novak has to get a special permit because the US is still denying entry to unvaccinated people, which is simply unbelievable because the whole world is open and sports events include both vaccinated and unvaccinated athletes,” Djordje told Serbian news agency Tanjug.

“Novak has submitted all the required documents and the request, and the directors of the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments have publicly said that Novak is needed at these tournaments and that they want him to come.

“It’s only a few days until the decision is made and we just have to hope for a positive outcome.”

Last month, Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said it would be a “shame” if Djokovic was not allowed to compete in Indian Wells and other tournaments in the United States this year.

Djokovic missed last year’s Australian Open and was deported because of his vaccine test. He made it back into the tournament this year and won it to claim a record 22nd Grand Slam title.

The 35-year-old has previously said he would rather miss the Grand Slams than get the COVID-19 vaccine.

(Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)