After missing events in Indian Wells and Miami owing to his COVID-19 vaccination status, Novak Djokovic claimed he had no regrets about it and wanted to go to the US later this year for the U.S. Open Grand Slam.
While the regulation is anticipated to be abolished when the administration stops its COVID emergency declarations in May, the U.S. now prohibits unvaccinated foreigners from entering the country.
Djokovic, 35, unsuccessfully requested special permission from the US authorities to compete in Indian Wells and Miami. After winning the Indian Wells championship on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz overtook the Serb to reclaim the top place in the global rankings.
I don’t regret anything,” Djokovic said to news reporter. “Regrets just set you back and essentially force you to live in the past, I’ve learnt through life,” I’m not going to do that. Also, I don’t wish to live a long life. I want to focus as much as possible on the here and now, but I also want to think about and work toward a better future ” So I’m happy for Alcaraz. He deserves to regain the top spot without a doubt.”
Djokovic expressed regret at not being able to play in the United States, where he had achieved great success and won three of his 22 major championships. But at the same time, I made a deliberate choice, and I was aware that I may decide not to travel, Djokovic added.
“For the U.S. Open later this year, I’m hoping that the present status or circumstance will change. For me, it is the most significant competition taking place in America.”
The Serb said that the incident had not diminished his love of the game. In fact, he stated, “On the contrary, I’m as focused and excited as ever about the sport, my family, my foundation, all the initiatives, and everything I’m doing off the court. “My rights, my dignity, and my integrity come first. I will always be faithful to who I am.”
