Tournament director Tommy Haas does not understand that Novak Djokovic cannot participate in the Indian Wells Masters. The Serbian No. 1 in the world is still banned from entering the United States because he has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“Very disappointing. I think America is the only country that still has restrictions that you can’t enter if you haven’t been vaccinated,” Haas said shortly after the start of the Masters. According to the former professor from Germany, the regulations in the United States are outdated.
“Other professional athletes around the world have also decided not to get vaccinated. We have to drop the subject and just let him play. I don’t see any reason, and I’m also very disappointed that he’s not here. A lot of people in the tennis world and as a tournament, we’ve tried everything to make Djokovic He plays here, but in vain. He’s the best player in the world. I think it’s sad. He also wrote to me how much he would like to be there.”
Djokovic tried to get an exemption, but it was denied. He’s still on the entry list for the Miami tournament in two weeks, but his chances of competing in Florida look slim.
Djokovic, 35, has won the Indian Wells Masters five times. He last competed in California in 2019.
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