Novak Djokovic likely to miss the major ATP tournament despite receiving an invite

The Miami Open will take place later this month, and Novak Djokovic has apparently been invited to participate. However, the Serbian international is not permitted to do so under the current ATP regulations. Due to government regulations that will restrict him from entering the nation as a result of his refusal to be injected with COVID-19, Djokovic is likely to miss out on competing at the Miami Open and Indian Wells in the United States.

By winning the Australian Open earlier this year, Djokovic regained the top spot in the world rankings. His absence from this month’s tournaments across the Atlantic has generated a lot of criticism in recent months. Since then, Tennis Club Sanremo has invited the 35-year-old to take part in an upcoming ATP Challenger 125 tournament, but it is obvious that he will be unable to accept the offer because of issues beyond his control.

US government showing no signs of modifying the position

According to Article 7.07 of the ATP Rulebook, no matter how willing he is to play after missing out on the Miami Open, Djokovic will not be permitted to do so. “Players positioned 1-10 in the ATP Singles Rankings twenty-one days prior to the first Monday of the ATP Challenger Tour tournament are prohibited from entering, accepting a wild card and/or competing in an ATP Challenger Tour tournament,” states the Article 7.07.

The US government is currently not showing any signs of modifying its position on the topic, so it appears that Djokovic will simply have to watch the action at this month’s Miami Open from a distance. President Joe Biden was recently requested to make an exception so that Novak Djokovic may play. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis even suggested that he would be happy to charter a boat to bring Djokovic to Florida from the Bahamas.