By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, February 10, 2023
Novak Djokovic has a ray of hope for playing the Sunshine Double.
The world No. 1, who is unvaccinated and unable to enter the United States under current COVID policy, has applied for special permission to enter the country in an effort to play both Indian Wells and Miami next month.
More: Jessica Pegula Shares Story of Mom Kim Pegula Suffering Cardiac Arrest
Djordje Djokovic, Novak's younger brother, told Serbian news agency Tanjug the 10-time Australian Open champion is hopeful his application will be approved.
"Unfortunately, it is something that is not in our hands," Djordje Djokovic told Tanjug. "Novak has to obtain special permission as the US is still denying entry to non-vaccinated persons, which is simply unbelievable as the whole world is open and sports events feature vaccinated and non-vaccinated athletes alike."
The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is set for March 6-19th.
Last month, the U.S. government announced it will lift emergency pandemic protocol for international travelers on May 11th. That decision opens the door for Djokovic to return to Flushing Meadows to play the US Open for the first time since 2021.
Djokovic has not played Indian Wells since 2019 when he lost to world No. 39 Philipp Kohlschreiber in the round of 32.
Novak Djokovic has already returned to training following his Australian Open final victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, his brother said. Team Djokovic expect to hear a decision on Novak's appeal to U.S. authorities in the coming days.
"There are only a few days to go before a decision is made and what remains for us to do is hope for a positive outcome," Djordje Djokovic said.
Fans will also see Novak Djokovic in TV and internet spots promoting the new Asics Court FF Novak shoe.
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook