Reuters
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Novak Djokovic may finish the yr because the world’s top-ranked participant however it will be a “shame” if his likelihood is affected by not having the ability to compete in the US on account of his unvaccinated standing, Indian Wells match director Tommy Haas mentioned.
Djokovic missed final yr’s Australian Open and was deported from the nation on account of being unvaccinated towards COVID.
His three-year visa ban was overturned in November and he’s again on the Grand Slam seeking to win a tenth crown and twenty second main.
The Serbian was, nevertheless, not capable of journey to New York for the 2022 US Open with out proof of vaccination, the identical cause that pressured him to skip ATP 1000 occasions at Indian Wells and Miami earlier within the yr.
U.S. authorities mentioned this month the requirement for international air vacationers to be vaccinated towards COVID could be in place till at the very least April 10, that means Djokovic will miss out on Indian Wells and Miami once more.
Haas, additionally a former world quantity two participant, mentioned he hoped the principles could be relaxed sooner to permit Djokovic to compete.
“If Djokovic stays wholesome, I don’t see how he’s not going to be primary,” Haas instructed reporters at Melbourne Park on Monday.
“Clearly the one downside being that he nonetheless can not come to the U.S. If he doesn’t play Indian Wells and Miami in March (it is going to be robust), they’re purported to carry these mandates by mid-April.
“It might be good to see if we may possibly carry these a little bit earlier and have him come to play Indian Wells and Miami. I feel he desires to play, so we must always give him the prospect. Hopefully we are able to have him there.
“I imply, it will be a shame in my eyes if he wasn’t coming to those occasions, or not allowed to return.”
Haas added Indian Wells organizers would do “all the things” to assist Djokovic’s probabilities of taking part in there.
Indian Wells runs from March 8-19 and the Miami Open from March 22-April 2.
The 35-year-old has beforehand said he would miss Grand Slams reasonably than have a COVID vaccine.
