The United States authorities have extended their vaccine rules, which means Novak Djokovic is likely to miss the Indian Wells and Miami Masters.
Last year, Djokovic missed the US Open and three Masters tournaments in the US – Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati.
At the start of the new year, the US authorities have decided to extend their vaccine rules for foreigners through April.
Novak Djokovic likely to miss (again) Indian Wells and Miami… https://t.co/O6MmE1ZkHG
ā JosĆ© Morgado (@josemorgado) January 4, 2023
Since Djokovic hasn’t been vaccinated and probably won’t be taking the vaccine, he will likely sit out the Sunshine Double.
Djokovic’s hope remains that the US authorities will make vaccine rule changes in the second part of the year, when the time comes for the US Open.
Djokovic had no regrets over his decision
After being denied participation at the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic also didn’t compete at the US Open as he wasn’t allowed to enter the country as an unvaccinated foreigner.
Djokovic, who won his 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, was left without a chance to compete for his 22nd Grand Slam title at the US Open.
In the Djokovic absence, 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz took advantage to win his first Grand Slam title.
After the US Open, Djokovic said he didn’t have any regrets over his vaccine stance that forced him to miss the US Open.
Also, Djokovic congratulated Alcaraz on winning his first Grand Slam title.
“I don’t have any regrets. I mean, I do feel sad that I wasn’t able to play, but, you know, that was decision that I made. I knew what the consequences will be, so I accepted them. That’s it. I congratulate Alcaraz for winning US Open. He did it in an incredible fashion. He’s 19 years old and already number one in the world. He’s a great addition to our sport, a great star in making. We can’t speak about him as future, because he’s already a present,” Djokovic said in September.