Novak Djokovic denied COVID-19 vaccine exemption, will not compete at Miami Open

The world’s No. 1-rated men’s tennis participant will not be capable to compete in the Miami Open up subsequent week because of to his COVID-19 vaccine status. 

Novak Djokovic, who not long ago gained his 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open up, was denied an exemption to enter the United States, in accordance to Miami Open match director James Blake.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia argues with the chair umpire during his second round match against Enzo Couacaud of France at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. 

Novak Djokovic of Serbia argues with the chair umpire for the duration of his next spherical match towards Enzo Couacaud of France at the Australian Open up tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023.  (AP Photograph/Aaron Favila)

“Clearly, we run one particular of the premier tournaments in the planet, we’d like to have the ideal players that can engage in,” Blake instructed the Tennis Channel on Friday. “We did all that we could. We tried to chat to the government, but which is out of our hands. We tried using, and he wasn’t in a position to participate in. 

KARINE JEAN-PIERRE DODGES Problem ON UNVAXXED TENNIS Participant DJOKOVIC: ‘ABIDE BY OUR COUNTRY’S RULE’

“Very same result that he experienced in Indian Wells, wherever I know Tommy Haas [Indian Wells tournament director] did as significantly as he could. We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be permitted to get an exemption, but that was not equipped to occur.” 

In February, Djokovic utilized for exclusive authorization to enter the U.S. in order to play in tournaments because of to staying unvaccinated against COVID-19. 

The U.S. at present calls for all non-U.S. citizens to be completely vaccinated versus COVID-19 in purchase to enter the country through air travel. 

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after his match against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz (not pictured) during their Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in Dubai on March 2, 2023. 

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts soon after his match from Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz (not pictured) in the course of their Dubai Duty Cost-free Tennis Championship in Dubai on March 2, 2023.  (KARIM SAHIB/AFP by using Getty Images)

In current months, there has been a press from politicians to permit Djokovic to enter the country. 

Simply click Right here FOR Additional Sports Protection ON FOXNEWS.COM

In a letter received by Fox Information Digital, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged President Biden to “place pandemic politics apart and give the American persons what they want – allow him enjoy.” DeSantis wrote that Djokovic’s denial to enter the U.S. is unfair, unscientific and unacceptable.”

The Miami Open up will be played from March 20-April 2 and the match in Indian Wells is scheduled for March 6-19. 

Novak Djokovic of Serbia competes with Hubert Hurkacz of Poland (not seen) during men's single quarter-final match of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 02, 2023. 

Novak Djokovic of Serbia competes with Hubert Hurkacz of Poland (not observed) throughout men’s solitary quarter-ultimate match of Dubai Duty Totally free Tennis Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 02, 2023.  (Waleed Zein/Anadolu Company by way of Getty Pictures)

In January, Indian Wells event director Tommy Haas mentioned it would be a “shame” if Djokovic could not contend in the U.S. because of to his vaccination status

Click on Right here TO GET THE FOX Information App

“Clearly, the just one difficulty currently being that he still are unable to occur to the U.S. If he will not engage in Indian Wells and Miami in March (it will be tricky), they are supposed to lift all those mandates by mid-April,” Haas explained to reporters.  

“It would be great to see if we could it’s possible elevate these a very little earlier and have him appear to enjoy Indian Wells and Miami. I imagine he wants to participate in, so we really should give him the probability. Hopefully, we can have him there,” he continued. 

“I signify, it would be a shame in my eyes if he was not coming to these activities, or not authorized to occur.”

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.