Novak Djokovic is pleading with American authorities to allow him to enter the United States for next month's Indian Wells and Miami Open - despite his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Unvaccinated world No.1 Djokovic has confirmed he has applied for a special exemption into the United States for the Masters 1000 tournaments in California and Florida.
Proof of vaccination is required to enter the US after the country extended its travel requirements for international visitors.
Foreign travellers who have not had the vaccine cannot enter until at least April 10, which rules Djokovic out of two of the most prestigious tournaments on the tennis calendar.
The Indian Wells - an event the legendary Serb has won on five occasions - starts on March 6, while the Miami Open is scheduled to get under way on March 20.
Djokovic, 35, is perhaps the highest profile athlete unvaccinated against Covid-19 and has reiterated that he would rather miss out on tennis tournaments than receive the jab.
He was infamously deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open last year due to his vaccination status, before returning to Melbourne last month to claim his 10th title at his favourite Grand Slam.
And he has not played at the Indian Wells since 2019 due to the strict US vaccine requirements. The Indian Wells and Miami Open - known as the Sunshine Double - represent two of the most eminent events outside the four Grand Slams and come at a crucial juncture in the season before three summer majors.
But Djokovic was named on the initial entry list for the Indian Wells and suggested he has the support of tournament officials to compete, as he awaits a decision on whether he is granted special permission to play from American authorities.
"Everything is currently in the process,' Djokovic said in an update at his training facility in Belgrade. "I have a big desire to be there. I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (organisers) and community for their support publicly and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments."
Djokovic also allayed injury fears as he confirmed he will be in the draw for the ATP 500 event in Dubai next week. “As for the injury I sustained at the Australian Open, it's healed, but I'm not 100 percent yet," he added. "Things are looking very good. As a team, we made the decision to go to Dubai.”
