According to US regulations, Novak Djokovic will not be able to participate in the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami. The Serbian phenomenon has always refused to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, a choice that forced him to miss two Grand Slams last year (Australian Open and US Open, in addition to all the American Masters 1000).
The state of emergency will end on May 11, 2023 in the United States and there are good chances to see Nole in Cincinnati and, above all, at the US Open. The 35-year-old from Belgrade got off to a great start in 2023, winning the Adelaide ATP 250 and then winning his tenth Australian Open.
Despite a left hamstring injury, the Serb dropped just one set in Melbourne and returned to the top of the ATP rankings. The world number 1 has also equaled his eternal rival, Rafael Nadal, at the top of the Grand Slam rankings of all time and will try to surpass him already at Roland Garros, at the end of May on the clay of Paris.
Djokovic will play the ATP 500 in Dubai later this month and then take a lengthy break from the tour. In an interview with the ‘Tennis365’ portal, the Indian Wells tournament director, Tommy Haas, spoke about Nole’s situation: “It would be nice if the rule was changed a little earlier than expected, so that Djokovic could play 1000 from Indian Wells and Miami.
I think he wants to be there, so we should give him a chance to come. We keep hoping to have him here. It would be a real shame for him to skip these two tournaments because he is banned from coming to the United States.” Novak Djokovic was unable to play the Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati Masters 1000 last year, as well as the US Open, since he could not enter the United States without being vaccinated.
Gilbert opens up on Djokovic
Novak Djokovic will be the benchmark for all other players on tour throughout the remainder of the 2023 season. “I think that it’s definitely going to be Djoker vs everyone else this year,” Brad Gilbert said on the Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe podcast.
“If I had to set an over-under, I’d say two-and-a-half Slams for him. He’s getting better at 35. I think, before, it was all about Rafa and Fed for him, they’re measuring and making their improvements to them. The Big 3 pushed each other,” Gilbert explained.
