Novak Djokovic is hoping against the odds that his luck will turn regarding what looks to be another ban from entering the US.
The defiantly unvaxxed Serb who has vowed never to take the COVID jabs, is staring down the barrel of being barred from entering the US for a second straight season.
He missed the Indian Wells and Miami Masters last March and is set for a repeat in 2023. He was also unable to travel to the US Open four months ago.
After advancing on Thursday to the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International 7-6(3), 7-6(5) over France’s Quentin Halys, the 35-year-old refused to accept what looks be stark reality.
“I saw it, but I don’t think it’s official yet,” he said of the US ban extended this week until April 10.
Informed that it was, in fact, still the law not to allow in unvaxxed foreigners, Djokovic added: “Look, if it is official, then it is.
“I mean, what can I do? Nothing. That’s it. You know my position. It is what it is.
“I’m hoping, but if I can’t go, I can’t go. That’s it.”
Djokovic is only in Australia after a new government which came to power in 2022 reversed a decision to ban him from re-entry for the usual three years after his deportation from Melbourne a year ago for trying to arrive unvaxxed.
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…