Djokovic still hopeful of playing in Miami

World No 1 Novak Djokovic still hopes to receive an exemption against Covid-19 travel restrictions to be able play the Miami Open, his coach Goran Ivanisevic tells Tennis Majors

Novak Djokovic, Miami 2018 – © Zuma / Panoramic

Sasa Ozmo

March 8, 2023

Due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, Novak Djokovic – a five-time Indian Wells and six-time Miami Open champion – cannot currently enter the United States. The US is planning to lift its travel restrictions for unvaccinated non-citizens in May, and Djokovic’s request for an exemption was denied before Indian Wells. Still…

“We haven’t given up (on Miami). He wants to play and I would love it if they allow him – it would be great both for him and for tennis,” Ivanisevic told Tennis Majors in his first post-Australian Open interview.

“If not, it’s not the end of the world, he didn’t play last year as well. The most important thing is that we find out soon, so that we can make a plan.”

Whatever happens, Djokovic has his sights set on the clay-court season and Roland Garros.

“In terms of preparing for the European clay-court season, I’m not sure playing in Miami is the best solution. It depends on Novak – in the past he has triumphed in Monte Carlo having played in Indian Wells and Miami. If he is mentally ready and in his fighter mode, like he was in Australia, then anything is possible,” said Ivanisevic.

In the Tennis Majors exclusive, the full version of which you will be able to read tomorrow (Thursday), Ivanisevic commented on the reception during the Australian Open, the tension and pressure surrounding the injury, and the people who doubted Novak’s injury. Also, Ivanisevic spoke about the upcoming clay-court season, potential battles with Rafael Nadal, Djokovic’s days off, records, etc.