Again swirl! New entry scandal about Djokovic – Sportmix

Shortly before the start of the men’s competition at the tennis tournament in Indian Wells (March 10th to 20th), it is still unclear whether Novak Djokovic will take part in the Masters 1000 event. Djokovic, who explained in a BBC interview in mid-February that he was still not vaccinated against the corona virus, is in the tableau of the top-class event and is number two.

After a bye in the first round, the 34-year-old Serb would face the winner of the duel between Jordan Thompson of Australia and Belgium’s David Goffin in the second round. The confusion is great now. Because: At the tournament in Dubai, where Djokovic last played, the corona-unvaccinated tennis star said: “As of now I can’t enter the USA. So I can’t play as of now. But let’s wait and see what happens. Maybe Things will change over the next few weeks.”

“We are currently in contact with his team”

The Serb could only mean the entry rules, which might change in the USA in the weeks after the Dubai tournament. The thing: nothing has changed. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still requires proof of vaccination against the corona virus for foreign air travelers. So is it coming after Australia to the next Djokovic scandal and the next immigration hanging game?

In a brief statement from the organizer it says: “Novak Djokovic is on the list of participants in the tournament, and therefore he is also in the tableau.” Former world number two Tommy Haas is tournament director in Indian Wells. “We are currently in contact with his team,” it continues. It is still unclear whether Djokovic received an exception for entry into the USA.

Djokovic is silent

But of course: The tournament draw alone is not a reliable indication that Djokovic will take part in the tournament in the USA. However, there are a few indications that make you suspicious. In addition to Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Juan Martin del Potro and Ashleigh Barty, a life-size poster of Djokovic also hangs on a wall on the Masters grounds. Below it is the sentence: “We miss you.” And even the taciturn statement by those responsible does not resolve the confusion.

It all looks like the tournament bosses are waiting until the last moment to solve the mystery. And the Serb himself? He is silent. Apparently he sees no reason to bring light into the darkness.