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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the Indian Wells Masters, given his unvaccinated status. Sports journalist and author Jon Wertheim has now come down heavily on the US government's policy of not allowing unvaccinated players to enter the country.
He termed the government's decision as "laughably outdated" and believes nobody is benefiting from it.
The Serb, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, had to withdraw from the Indian Wells Masters after US officials denied his request due to the existing vaccine mandate.
Current rules in the US do not allow foreign travelers to enter the country without proof of vaccination. However, earlier this year, the government declared that it was all set to lift the coronavirus emergency declarations on May 11, 2023.
Taking to social media, Wertheim opined that politicians are chasing cheap points. He also criticized the United States Tennis Association in a post on Twitter.
"A laughably outdated US gov't policy.. tournaments w/ unvaccinated fans but not athletes.. pols chasing cheap points.. the USTA clumsily coming in off the top rung..a top player/union-head seeking an exemption from a rule everyone else had to follow..Literally NO ONE is winning here (sic)," Wertheim tweeted.
Novak Djokovic's participation in the Miami Open is in limbo
Novak Djokovic's participation at the Miami Open, where he is a six-time champion, is still in limbo given the vaccination mandate in the US. However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently called on US President Joe Biden to allow him to compete in Miami, despite his vaccination status.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is yet to withdraw from the tournament, which will be played from March 22 to April 4. The tournament organizers have also voiced their support for the Serb, hoping he would get a chance to compete in the tournament.
“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 on social media.
If the Serb’s appeal goes unheeded, resulting in a ban from competing in Miami, he will resume his 2023 campaign directly on clay, presumably at the Monte-Carlo Masters. In his absence, World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will be crowned the World No. 1 if he wins the Sunshine Double.
Djokovic last played on tour at the Dubai Tennis Championships. He endured a semifinal exit after losing to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in what was his first loss of the 2023 season.
