Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis player said he had no regrets about skipping tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami due to his COVID-19 vaccination status but expected that he would be permitted into the United States later this year for the US Open Grand Slam.
The US currently bans unvaccinated outsiders from entering the country, though the guideline is expected to be lifted when the government ends its COVID emergency orders in May.
A 35-year-old legendary tennis player, Djokovic unsuccessfully applied to the US government for special approval to play at Indian Wells and Miami. Carlos Alcaraz leapfrogged the Serb back into the top place in the world rankings after winning the Indian Wells title on Sunday.
I have no regrets. I’ve learned through life that regrets only hold you back and make you live in the past.
I don’t want to do that. I also don’t want to live too much in the future. I want to be as much as in the present moment but of course, think about the future, and create a better future. So I congratulate Alcaraz. He absolutely deserves to come back to number one.”
Djokovic told CNN
Djokovic said it was a pity he was not permitted to play in the US where he has appreciated plenty of wins including three of his 22 major titles.
But at the same time, it’s the conscious decision I made and I knew that there is always a possibility that I won’t go.
It’s the current state or current situation that I hope will change for later this year, for the US Open. That’s the most important tournament for me on American soil.”
Djokovic said.
Djokovic said the controversy had not dented his enthusiasm for the sport.
Actually, the contrary, I’m as enthusiastic as ever, as motivated as ever for the sport, my family, my foundation, all the projects and everything I’m doing off the court.
The dignity, and integrity, and staying true to myself, and my beliefs and my rights are above everything.”
Djokovic said.
