Tennis star Novak Djokovic said Wednesday that he will miss two tournaments in the United States over his refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a social media post, the 34-year-old Serbian said despite being listed in the draw for the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments, he “knew it would be unlikely” he’d be able to make the trip, adding that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will not be changing its regulations for international travel, leaving him unable to play in the U.S.
“Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments,” Djokovic added.
While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments ?
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 9, 2022
Djokovic was deported from Australia in January after a federal court dismissed his challenge to his canceled visa, leaving him unable to compete in the Australian Open. The Australian Border Force said it had canceled his visa because he did not have adequate documentation to enter the country.
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In a February interview with BBC, Djokovic said of the vaccine that he has “always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.” He said he hoped to be able to play in future tournaments, noting he “can play for many more years.”
Djokovic is the controlling shareholder of QuantBioRes, a company working to develop a treatment with a “deactivation mechanism” for COVID-19. The biotech company includes 11 researchers who are working in Denmark, Australia, and Slovenia to develop the treatment.
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Australia reopened its country to vaccinated tourists Feb. 21. Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the country would only permit unvaccinated travelers to visit if they have a proper medical exemption, comply with quarantine rules, and follow local rules.
