ATP

Djokovic ruled out of Miami Open after appeals to US government fail

By Sports Desk March 17, 2023

Novak Djokovic has been ruled out of the Miami Open after tournament organisers "exhausted all the options" in an effort to secure him a travel exemption.

The 22-time grand slam winner withdrew from the Indian Wells Open as he is unable to play in the United States.

He is not vaccinated against COVID-19, which remains a requirement of international travellers, but Djokovic had hoped to be granted special permission to enter the country.

US tennis authorities and a number of politicians also expressed support for an exception being made for the 35-year-old Djokovic, with US president Joe Biden urged to reconsider policy.

Even last week, Serbian superstar Djokovic was clinging to hopes of playing the Miami Open, which he has won six times.

However, tournament director James Blake told Tennis Channel there is no chance of that happening, despite extensive efforts.

"Obviously, we're one of the premier tournaments in the world, we'd like to have the best players that can play," said Blake, a former world number four.

"We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that's out of our hands. We tried and he wasn't able to play."

Blake said he was in the same position as Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas, being unable to influence government-level decisions.

"We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn't able to happen," Blake said. "We'd love to have him, and he’s our greatest champion, won it six times here.

"Unfortunately, that's way above my pay grade."

Blake added: "We exhausted all the options we knew of. Hopefully Novak will be back this year and hopefully he will be back for all the later events in the States including Cincinnati and the US Open."

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    “I don’t miss him being in the draw,” he said with a smile as he reflected on the hip problem that has kept Nadal out since January and prompted his announcement earlier this month that next season is set to be his swansong.

    “I don’t like seeing him in the draw of Roland Garros. I have had not so much success against him. I have managed to beat him twice but I had to leave my heart and my guts out on the court to achieve that.”

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    “Because of the rivalry that we had, and that we still have, I feel that he was one of the most impactful people that I have ever had in my career, the growth of my career, and me as a player.

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    “Every grand slam at this stage of my career is like a present for me, so I’ll try to use the opportunity as best as possible,” he said.

    “Leading into Roland Garros, I haven’t had too much success in clay court events but a grand slam is like a different sport. I feel always extra motivated and confident in grand slams.

    “It’s no secret that one of the main reasons I play today and compete in professional tennis is to try to break more records and make more history in tennis. That’s extremely motivating and inspiring for me.

    “But things are different than they were 10 years ago in terms of how my body is maybe responding to the schedule. I’m feeling good at the moment. I don’t have any physical issues that worry me. So that’s most important for me.

    “I think the tournament is quite open. Maybe a few guys that are at the top of the favourites’ list, but anyone can take it. I’m hoping it can be me.”

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