There is a glimmer of Novak Djokovic’s participation in the so-called ‘Sunshine Double’ in Indian Wells and Miami next March, but the Serbian superchamp is not directly involved in the matter. No standards ad personamIt is US policy to seriously question the law banning entry into the United States of America for non-US citizens who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 until May 11, 2023.
As things stand, foreigners who have not received a full vaccination against the virus that caused the pandemic will not be able to enter the North American country until May 11 next year, when the law expires and there will therefore be full freedom of entry. Many US politicians are very critical of the extension of the entry ban decided a few months ago by the Biden administration due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in China, since similar rules have been abolished in almost all other states, including these more strict in the anti -Covid regulations (New Zealand and Australia to name just two).
Republican politician Thomas Massie has officially requested that vaccinations for entry into the United States be lifted as soon as possible. “The US must lead the free world, but in reality we are falling behind. Hundreds of countries have more liberal vaccination policies than the US, all major states and our neighbors. (…) If someone arrives at our border who has Covid symptoms but has been vaccinated, ok, no problem, go ahead! Bring us a new variation or whatever, you’re welcome… But if you’re a healthy tennis player who hasn’t been vaccinated, you must stay away from our country. That’s the message we’re sending. Our policy is at least two years old. The US Travel Association recognizes all of this.” The reference to Djokovic’s status is therefore direct, for example as a person who is not authorized to access is lost. However, this is not a request “for Djokovic”, but to open up to all travelers who would like to return to the USA but will have to wait until the middle of next spring with the rules in force.
In fact, the associations that promote tourism in the USA are using all means to pressure politicians to review the restrictive positions. In an official statement, they said they did “I have long supported the lifting of this requirement and see no reason to wait until the end of the public health emergency deadline in May, especially as potential visitors plan spring and summer travel.” They claim so too “The United States is the only country that still has this requirement for international visitors when there is no longer any public health justification.”
All of this increases the pressure on President Biden to change his administration’s stance. In fact, a vacation in the United States during the Easter season is a classic for many tourists from all over the world who choose the beaches of Florida, the great parks, the most modern cities or the beauties of California, to name just a few of the most desirable travel destinations.
We’ll see if the growing pressure on the Biden administration results in a step backwards from the restrictive law. Tommy Haas’ position is also clear, Director of the Indian Wells Tournament: “It would be nice if the terms of these rules were shortened and Djokovic would therefore come to Indian Wells and Miami. I think he wants to play so we should give him a chance. We hope we can have it with us. Given the current situation, I think it would be a shame if he couldn’t come to these events if he wasn’t allowed to come.
Marco Mazzoni
