Djokovic: ‘No Regrets’ About Missing U.S. Tournaments Over Lack Of COVID Vaccination

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic spoke out Tuesday on lacking two U.S.-based tournaments this month over his refusal to get vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

The athlete has not been allowed into the nation below present journey guidelines, which require non-U.S. residents and non-U.S. immigrants to indicate proof of vaccination earlier than coming into.

Djokovic had utilized for a waiver, but it surely was reportedly denied by the Department of Homeland Security. This meant he was a no-show on the current BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, and he’s not taking part in Miami Open, which began this week in Florida.

Still, Djokovic informed CNN in a brand new interview that he wouldn’t change a factor.

“I have no regrets,” Djokovic stated. “I’ve learned through life that regrets only hold you back.”

The guidelines barring Djokovic from coming into the U.S. drew sharp criticism from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). Earlier this month, he referred to as on President Joe Biden “to put pandemic politics aside” so the participant might take part in his state’s occasion.

Carlos Alcaraz gained the Indian Wells match Sunday, climbing to the highest spot within the males’s tennis ATP rankings.

“I congratulate Alcaraz. He absolutely deserved to come back to number one. It’s a pity that I wasn’t able to play Indian Wells [and] Miami,” Djokovic told CNN.

“But at the same time, it is the conscious decision I made, and I knew that there is always a possibility that I won’t go,” he continued.

Djokovic added that he hopes to be allowed into the nation later this 12 months for the U.S. Open, calling the late-summer occasion “the most important tournament for me on American soil.”

Current journey guidelines are set to run out in May, when the COVID-19 emergency declaration ends.

This will not be the primary time that Djokovic has been below the highlight for refusing to get vaccinated.

He was deported from Australia early final 12 months after shedding a courtroom case to let him keep for the Australian Open though he didn’t meet the nation’s COVID-19 immunization requirement.

Despite these controversies, Djokovic stated he stays enthusiastic in regards to the recreation and “as motivated as ever.”

“Staying true to myself, and my beliefs and my rights, is above everything,” he informed CNN. “That’s where I stand.”