US Open hoping unvaccinated Novak Djokovic gets permission to play

Novak Djokovic of Serbia lifts the trophy after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 to win his 10th Australian Open singles title - and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam crown - in Melbourne on Sunday, January 29, 2023. AP

Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy. Getty

Novak Djokovic lifts the Australian Open trophy. Getty

Novak Djokovic celebrates with his team including his mother, Dijana, second left, after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas. AP

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his win. Getty

Novak Djokovic celebrates with his team and family. Getty

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning championship point in his players' box. Getty

Novak Djokovic celebrates in the stands. AP

Novak Djokovic after his win. AP

Novak Djokovic is congratulated by Stefanos Tsitsipas. AP

Novak Djokovic embraces his mother Dijana as he celebrates victory. AFP

Novak Djokovic celebrates his win. Reuters

Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory. Getty

Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return. AFP

Stefanos Tsitsipas hits a return. AFP

Novak Djokovic in action. Reuters

Novak Djokovic takes a tumble. EPA

Novak Djokovic falls. Getty

Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a backhand return. AFP

Stefanos Tsitsipas hits a return against Novak Djokovic. AFP

Stefanos Tsitsipas returns. AFP

Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece celebrates winning a point. Getty

Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return. AFP

Novak Djokovic reacts. AFP

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas after losing the second set on a tie-break. Reuters

Novak Djokovic hits a backhand return. EPA

Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates a point. EPA

Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece serves. AP

Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return. AFP

Stefanos Tsitsipas reacts after winning a point. AP

Stefanos Tsitsipas hits a return. AFP

Novak Djokovic in action. EPA

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the US Open are hopeful Novak Djokovic will be successful in his bid to enter the country after the Serbian, who is not vaccinated against Covid-19, applied for special permission last month.

Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against Covid, said last week he was hoping for a positive outcome shortly after applying to enter the US to compete in ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami this month.

"Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen," the US Open Twitter account said on Friday.

"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," it added.

The US vaccine requirement for foreign air travellers is not expected to be lifted before the main draw begins at Indian Wells on March 9 and the Miami Open later in the month, meaning Djokovic could miss out for a second straight year.

US President Joe Biden's administration said in January it would lift Covid emergency declarations on May 11, but Djokovic – named on the Indian Wells entry list – said he had submitted the required documentation for special permission.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said in January it would be a "disgrace" if Djokovic was not allowed to compete this year after the Serbian also missed last year's US Open.

Djokovic, who missed last year's Australian Open and was deported from the country due to his vaccination status, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a Covid shot.

The 35-year-old won a record-extending 10th Australian Open title and his 22nd Grand Slam in January.

On Friday his bid for a sixth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title was ended in the semi-finals by Russia's Daniil Medvedev.

It was Djokovic's first defeat of 2023.