US visa refusal for tennis star Novak Djokovic

Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic has been denied a US visa, ruling him out of tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, was told that he would need to be vaccinated in order to enter the US. The world number 2 was recently forced to miss the Australian open after his visa was revoked and he was deported.

Djokovic had admitted that it was ‘unlikely’ he would be able to compete in the two US tournaments, despite being included on entry lists as he sought answers about requirements for entering the US.

Prior to his withdrawal, a statement from Indian Wells tournament organizers said: “Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw. We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC approval to enter the country.”

CDC website

The CDC website currently states that all non-US citizens who are not immigrants must provide proof of a COVID vaccination prior to traveling to America by air.

Meanwhile, Indian Wells tournament officials had stated that all players must be fully vaccinated in order to gain entry to the venue.

The BNP Paribas Open website states: “In order to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the 2022 BNP Paribas Open will require all attendees to show valid proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. To keep all patrons on site as safe as possible, no exceptions to the vaccination policy will be allowed.”

“All tournament volunteers, staff, sponsors, media, and vendors will be fully vaccinated in accordance with this policy,” the website adds.

Djokovic would rather miss tournaments

Following his Australian visa ordeal, Djokovic had said that he would rather ‘miss tournaments’ than be forced to take the COVID vaccine to ensure his participation.

In an interview with the BBC, he said: “I was never against vaccination, but I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body. Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”

Djokovic did draw criticism having left his name in the Indian Wells draw, despite knowing that he would need to be fully vaccinated.

Responding to critics on Twitter, Djokovic tweeted: While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel.”

“The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments,” he added.

Vaccination exemption

In order to secure a US visa, many believe that Djokovic had looked into the option of getting a vaccination exemption, similar to the one he pursued when trying to obtain a visa for entry into Australia.

However, with the CDC not intending to update its COVID guidelines, Djokovic has confirmed his withdrawal from both US tournaments and listed Monte Carlo as his next destination for tournament competition.

Meanwhile, should the US maintain its requirement for full vaccination to secure a US visa, Djokovic could be forced to miss the US Open – the last Grand Slam of the year - at Flushing Meadows in the summer.

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