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Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes
unvaccinated against COVID, said last week he was hoping for a
positive outcome shortly after applying to enter the U.S. to
compete in ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami
this month.
"Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever
seen," the U.S. Open Twitter account said on Friday.
"The USTA and U.S. Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in
his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be
able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami," it
added.
The U.S. vaccine requirement for foreign air travellers is not
expected to be lifted before the main draw begins at Indian
Wells on March 9 and the Miami Open later in the month, meaning
Djokovic could miss out for a second straight year.
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said in January it
would lift COVID emergency declarations on May 11, but Djokovic
- named on the Indian Wells entry list - said he had submitted
the required documentation for special permission.
Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said in January it
would be a "disgrace" if Djokovic was not allowed to compete
this year after the Serbian also missed last year's U.S. Open.
Djokovic, who missed last year's Australian Open and was
deported from the country due to his vaccination status, has
said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID shot.
The 35-year-old won a record-extending 10th Australian Open
title and his 22nd Grand Slam in January.
(Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani
Sarkar)
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