"Come in through southern border" - Tennis fans jokingly tell Novak Djokovic to enter US via Mexico after Serb denied entry ahead of Indian Wells
Novak Djokovic's entry into the United States is yet to see a green light, as authorities are still prohibiting people without vaccination against COVID-19 access into the country.
America announced an easing of their COVID-19 measures back in January 31. In a statement released by the government, it was mentioned that any person can enter the country irrespective of whether they are vaccinated or not, but only after May 11.
However, the measures will remain as such until then. Hence Djokovic's hopes of participating at the Indian Wells and Miami Open have been shattered as the tournaments are set to take place in March.
The Serb's refusal to take the jab denied him entry at the 2022 US Open. While this year's Majors in the States will witness the return of the World No. 1, fans are annoyed that the player will not feature in the 'Sunshine Double.'
Taking to social media, several fans jokingly opined that the Serb should rather take the Mexico route to get access into the US as they yearn for their idol's return.
"Come in through the southern border, bru… 5 million others were allowed in," wrote one fan in their tweet.
Another fan quoted that around 7000 unvaccinated people enter the nation across the southern border on a daily basis and the 35-year-old should do the same.
"Between 6 and 7 THOUSAND unvaccinated people enter the US every day across our southern border. Djokovic should just walk across...," read their tweet.
Here are a few other fan reactions:
Novak Djokovic to withdraw from the Indian Wells before the draw if not allowed to participate
Novak Djokovic recently made it clear that he will withdraw from the Indian Wells Masters before the draw if he is denied participation in the tournament. The draw is set to be conducted on Monday, March 6 at 3 PM (EST).
"Before the draw. Yeah, yeah, whatever the decision is before the draw, if I'm not allowed, I'm going to pull out, of course, before the draw," he said during a press conference at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
With the Serb's vaccine waiver request denied by the US Homeland Security Department, the 35-year-old's inclusion in the tournament looks unlikely.
Meanwhile, Djokovic last played on tour at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where he endured a semifinal exit upon losing against Daniil Medvedev in straight sets on Friday. It marked the Serb's first loss of the 2023 season.