"Contrast this with statements about Naomi Osaka at Roland Garros" - Tennis fans upset as US Open supports Novak Djokovic in appeal to play in America

Novak Djokovic recently received the backing of the US Open and the Miami Open in his appeal for a special exemption to contest the Sunshine Double in 2023. Several tennis fans, however, are not happy about that given the past conduct of the Grand Slams.

The official social media pages of the US Open and the Miami Open released separate statements on Friday voicing their support towards Djokovic. The tournaments stated that they were hopeful about the 22-time Grand Slam champion being allowed to enter the United States despite his no-vaccination stance prohibiting him from doing so.

"Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami," the statement on US Open’s social media page read.

"Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a six-time champion of the Miami Open. We hope he is allowed entry into the country so Floridians have the opportunity to see him compete once again," the Miami Open stated.

These statements did not sit well with tennis fans, many of whom are of the opinion that Djokovic shouldn’t be given preferential treatment. Some were also surprised with the statements since the US Open had, in 2022, indicated its support to the government’s stance on the vaccine mandate for foreigners.

"Preferential treatment over general policy just because he’s the top tennis player now? Is that what the statement means?" one fan wondered.

Another fan compared the overflowing support for the World No. 1 to the controversial take of the Slams on Naomi Osaka’s decision to skip her press conferences at the 2021 French Open. At the time, the four Majors released a statement where they sided with Roland Garros' decision to penalize Osaka.

“Contrast this with the statements about Naomi Osaka at Roland Garros,” the fan said.

Here are a few more reactions from fans:

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"Grant the waiver & allow him to compete here in the States" – Florida US senator appeals to POTUS on behalf of Novak Djokovic

While Novak Djokovic still awaits the verdict on his participation in next week’s Indian Wells, Florida US senator Rick Scott has hinted at negative news.

"BREAKING: We have been told that @DHSgov just denied @DjokerNole's vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in CA & in the @MiamiOpen," he announced on his social media.

The senator, who is in favor of Djokovic's participation, expressed unhappiness with the development. He appealed to President Joe Biden to grant Djokovic the waiver and allow him to compete at the upcoming Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.

"@JoeBiden must fix this NOW, grant the waiver & allow him to compete here in the states," he added in his tweet.

If Novak Djokovic’s is unable to participate in the March tournaments, the 35-year-old will be forced to resume his 2023 campaign on clay.