Novak Djokovic has revealed that he hopes to compete in Indian Wells and Miami next month after requesting special permission to enter the US.
Djokovic said at a press conference in Belgrade that he was “waiting for an answer” over whether he will be allowed to play the events despite remaining unvaccinated against Covid-19.
Under current US regulations, all international visitors to the US must be fully inoculated – a requirement that prevented the world No 1 from playing the US Open and several other big events stateside last year. The restrictions are not due to be lifted before 10 April, which would rule Djokovic out of the season’s opening two Masters 1000 tournaments, both of which begin in March.
In the meantime, Djokovic will return to the tour in Dubai next week for the first time since his victory at last month’s Australian Open.
“My plans after Dubai depend on the US,” said the 22-time grand slam champion, who will fly to the UAE on Thursday. “I’m waiting for a reply, it’s not on me. I will know soon.
“Everything is in process. I’m thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami communities for their support publicly. They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments. I’m looking forward to a positive decision coming soon, but it’s not in my hands.”
Tommy Haas, the Indian Wells tournament director and former world No 2, said last month that it would be a “disgrace” if the five-time champion were unable to play the event. Djokovic, however, offered a more measured evaluation, expressing hope that there would be no repeat of last season’s exile from the US while reiterating his determination to remain unvaccinated.
“Last year I missed Indian Wells, Miami and the US Open swing, so it won’t be the first time if it happens,” said Djokovic. “I hope it doesn’t.
“That’s all I can do, because my position stays the same… The US Open is still far away, so I hope I’ll be able to be there. It’s one of the four biggest events in our sport’s history.
“Of course, I’d love to be there. I received the most wonderful support from the New York and American crowd during the 2021 final I lost to Daniil Medvedev.
“So I want to go back and connect with people and hopefully play my best tennis and get another trophy there.”
Whether Djokovic can retain his No 1 ranking that long remains to be seen. Should Carlos Alcaraz defend his Rio Open title this week, the Spaniard will equal Djokovic’s tally of 6,980 ranking points. The Serb will remain in top spot by dint of his superior record at the grand slams, ATP Finals and Masters 1000 over the past 12 months, but he is under no illusions about the growing threat posed by Alcaraz. Djokovic hailed the 19-year-old’s maturity and dynamism, but said Rafael Nadal remains his principal adversary.
“[Alcaraz] deserves all his success,” said Djokovic. “He’s bringing new, fresh energy into tennis, he’s a very dynamic player and personality, and very well liked all around the world.
“But I cannot call him my main rival… Nadal has been the biggest rival, and probably will remain the biggest rival, I’ve ever had in my career.”
Djokovic equalled Nadal’s tally of 22 majors with his victory at Melbourne Park, and this week he matched another significant milestone by recording his 377th week at No 1, drawing level with Steffi Graf’s all-time record.
“Steffi Graf is one of the biggest legends of our sport, both men’s and women’s tennis, and someone that I truly admire and respect,” said Djokovic. “It’s very flattering that I am able to equal her record and have a possibility to break the record next week.
“Being No 1 in the world and winning Wimbledon was a dream. So, when I achieved that dream in 2011, I had to dream new dreams, so to say, and set new goals. I think it’s very important to have the goals, to have the dreams, because they give you clarity.”
As he eyes another historic season, Djokovic will hope the US authorities soon provide similar clarity.