Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one Serbian tennis player has once again, been rejected from playing tennis over his Covid-19 vaccination status. This time, Djokovic was denied entry to the United States, forcing him to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Well, Ca.
Djokovic had requested a vaccine waiver from Homeland Security but was denied.
This is not the first time that Djokovic has been forced out of competition due to his vaccination status.
Back in 2022, the tennis superstar made headlines when he was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open after arriving in Melbourne. Because he did not want to get vaccinated, his visa was denied, and Djokovic was deported out of the country.
The tennis star temporarily lost his No. 1 ranking but regained his reign in 2023 once their vaccine requirements loosened.
Sen. Rick Scott took to Twitter, stating that Homeland Security had rejected Djokovic’s vaccine waiver request, which would have allowed him to play back-to-back at Indian Wells and Miami. The BNP Paribas tournament announced his withdrawal on Sunday night.
Tweet from Sen. Rick Scott:
🚨 BREAKING: We have been told that @DHSgov just denied @DjokerNole's vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in CA & in the @MiamiOpen. @JoeBiden must fix this NOW, grant the waiver & allow him to compete here in the states. https://t.co/TSD10yM8u6
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 3, 2023
Although foreign air travelers have no longer experienced Covid-19 vaccine requirements to enter the U.S. since October of 2022, the emergency declaration is said to officially end on May 11.
This makes one question why vaccination rules are still set in place for some, (especially someone who’s in the spotlight, swimming against the current of political compliance). And with “new findings” coming to the surface confirming the vaccine having little to no efficacy on infection and transmission, what’s the real reason these rules have remained in place?
We commend and respect Djokovic for sticking to his guns and standing by his decision, no matter the cost. He remains a champion with or without the official titles.
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