Novak Djokovic could find himself ousted from the No.1 ranking after he was this weekend banned again from entering the United States.
Djokovic’s bid to gain entry to the United States for ATP events at Indian wells and Miami received public support from the US Tennis Association and US Open organisers on Saturday, despite having the door slammed shut by government officials.
Republican Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio also sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging the Biden administration to grant the 22-time Grand Slam champion a waiver.
The Serbian star is currently barred from entering the United States because he is unvaccinated against Covid-19, but has petitioned US authorities for special permission to enter.
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According to reports, his request centres on a declaration he has contracted the virus on two previous occasions, filing for a medical exemption on that basis.
The only good news for Djokovic is that he will be free to play the 2023 US Open, beginning August 28.
The United States still doesn’t allow unvaccinated international travellers to enter the country, with the Transportation Security Administration recently indicating the policy would not change until at least mid-April.
The White House announced last month the policy may not be scrapped until May 11.
The decision from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deny his request has divided opinions with outspoken commentators declaring the 35-year-old is no longer a public health risk.
Tennis commentators have also voiced their support for Djokovic.
American tennis great Mardy Fish responded to the news on Twitter, writing: “What a joke”.
US political comedian Bill Maher said on HBO’s ‘Real Tim with Bill Maher’: “Imminent danger? Of a man playing tennis? Of a man who has had it twice?
