World number one Novak Djokovic was not allowed to enter the USA for the Masters in Indian Wells. Because of his lack of vaccination against the corona virus. Tournament director Tommy Haas has no understanding for that.
“Very disappointing, I think America is the only country that still has these restrictions. That you cannot enter if you are not vaccinated, »said the former German tennis professional of the German Press Agency.
“Other professional athletes around the world have also decided not to be vaccinated. We should let the subject go and just let him play. I see no reason and I’m also very disappointed that he’s not here,” said Haas. “He also wrote to me himself how much he would like to be there, I find it sad.”
Djokovic has won the Southern California tournament five times in his career. His last participation so far was in 2019, when he was eliminated in the third round against Philipp Kohlschreiber from Augsburg.
Since then, the lack of vaccination against the corona virus has made it impossible for him to enter the USA. “We tried everything to help Novak get the chance to enter the country and play here. He’s the best player in the world,” said Haas.
Djokovic had tried to get an exemption, which was rejected. He retired the night before the draw. The highest seeded player in the men’s is therefore the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, number two in the world rankings.
