The United States government has come to a decision on the vaccine waiver request from Novak Djokovic.
The world No. 1 tennis player requested a waiver that would allow him to enter the country in time to compete in the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open -- an important two-tournament stretch known as the “Sunshine Double" -- despite his lack of vaccination to the COVID-19 virus.
According to Sen. Rick Scott (R-FLA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security denied Djokovic’s waiver request.
Scott and fellow Florida senator Marco Rubio had earlier written a letter to President Joe Biden requesting that the President ensure Djokovic could compete in the Miami Open, which begins on March 19.
In their letter, the senators noted that Biden had previously declared that the pandemic was “over” and that Dr. Anthony Fauci acknowledged the limitations of vaccinations. They said in their letter that the vaccine mandate which was keeping Djokovic from entering the country was “outdated.”
The White House plans to end the COVID public health emergency on May 11 and will review all policies relating to the pandemic at that juncture, including the vaccine requirement for air travel into the U.S.
Djokovic, who meticulously follows a strict health and dietary regiment, has insisted for a couple of years that he would not get a COVID vaccine. The 22-time major champion has said that he would accept any consequences for his health decision.
Both the Miami Open and Indian Wells are Masters 1000 events, which make them among the most prestigious tournaments on the tennis calendar -- just one level below the grand slam events.
The tennis tournaments, themselves, have campaigned for Djokovic to be cleared to play. To no apparent avail.
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