"I would run a boat from the Bahamas here for him" - Florida Governor continues relentless fight for Novak Djokovic's inclusion in Miami Open 2023
Novak Djokovic's unvaccinated status continues to haunt him, with the World No. 1 having to withdraw from the Indian Wells Masters after he failed to secure an exemption to feature in the tournament.
The Serbian had a horrendous start to the 2022 season when he was controversially deported from Australia, just ahead of the commencement of the Australian Open, because of his stance on not getting the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the tennis icon's exclusion from the Melbourne Major and subsequently some other ATP tournaments drew flak from many politicians and former players, among others. The 35-year-old was allowed to ply his trade at the 2023 edition of the Australian Open, where he won his 10th Australian Open title.
Due to the US government's COVID-19 mandate, which bars any unvaccinated person from entering the country until May 11, the 22-time Grand Slam singles winner's participation at the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open was in danger. In a press conference, Djokovic stated that he had applied for special permission to let him play in the ATP tournaments. However, on March 6, the Serbian legend announced that he had withdrawn his name from the tournament after failing to secure an exemption.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis recently vouched for Djokovic's entry to the US to play the Miami Open, scheduled to start on March 19. The 44-year-old US politician stated that he would go the extra mile to ensure the Serbian's inclusion in the Miami Open, later this month.
"I would run a boat from the Bahamas here for him. I would do that a hundred percent,” DeSantis said at a press conference. “I think his people are looking at it, and I’m not sure that’s the way they want to come into the country, which I understand. I think it’d be a great moment, but you know, nevertheless,” he said.
Earlier, the governor criticized US President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate by calling it "misguided and unscientific."
"The only thing keeping Novak Djokovic from participating in the Miami Open tennis tournament is President Biden’s misguided and unscientific COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreigner travelers," DeSantis said.
The Governor urged the US President to lift the COVID-19 restrictions.
“Mr. President – lift your restrictions and let him compete,” he added.
Novak Djokovic received some powerful backing to allow him to enter the US
Over the past few days, the Serbian maestro has been receiving a lot of powerful backing to allow him to enter the US. In addition to Ron Desantis, Florida Senator Rick Scott appealed to Joe Biden to intervene and ensure the Serbian's entry to the US.
The World No. 1 has also received support from the US Open as well as the USTA to vouch for Djokovic's participation in the Miami Open.
“Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami,” the statement on US Open’s social media page read.
The Serbian is currently in great form so far this year. Before losing the Dubai Tennis Championship semifinals to Daniil Medvedev most recently, Djokovic won the Adelaide International as well as the Australian Open. Missing out on Indian Wells as well as the Miami Open would be a major blow to the 22-time Grand Slam winner who looks to continue his streak at the top of the ATP rankings.