The US Open and the United States Tennis Association are “hopeful” that the number one player in the world, Novak Djokovic, will be permitted to compete in this month’s Indian Wells and Miami Masters tournaments.
The 35-year-old, 22-time Grand Slam winner has requested special clearance since he has not received the Covid-19 vaccine.
International travellers to the US must be immunized, and documentation is necessary until at least 10 April.
Djokovic’s lack of immunizations caused him to miss the US Open in 2017.
Two of the most renowned tennis events outside of the Grand Slams, Indian Wells and the Miami Open, begin on March 6 and March 20, respectively.
The US Open said in a tweet that Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions in the history of the game.
“The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak’s appeal to enter the nation is successful and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami,” said the USTA.
Djokovic has stated he would choose to skip Grand Slams than receiving a Covid shot. He also skipped the Australian Open in 2017 and was deported as a result of his vaccination status.
The director of the Indian Wells tournament, Tommy Haas, declared in January that it would be “disgraceful” to exclude Djokovic from competing in the US this year.
Djokovic, who is now competing in the Dubai Tennis Championships, said: “If I’m not allowed, I’m going to pull out, of course, before the draw.” The Indian Wells draw is on Monday.
He was given permission to go to Melbourne in January, when he tied Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam victories by winning his record-expanding 10th Australian Open victory.