Novak Djokovic has requested permission to enter US, his brother says

BELGRADE - The world number one in men's tennis singles, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, has applied for special permission to enter the US to play at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters, his brother Djordje told Tanjug on Friday.

"Unfortunately, it is something that is not in our hands. Novak has to obtain special permission as the US is still denying entry to non-vaccinated persons, which is simply unbelievable as the whole world is open and sports events feature vaccinated and non-vaccinated athletes alike," he said.

Novak has submitted all the required documentation and a request, and the directors of the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments have publicly said Novak is needed at those tournaments and that they want him to come," Djordje Djokovic said.

"There are only a few days to go before a decision is made and what remains for us to do is hope for a positive outcome," he said.

Commenting on this year's Serbia Open tournament, to be held in Banjaluka, Djordje Djokovic said preparations were in full swing and that a new stadium and a boulevard had been built as part of a tournament compound.

"We expect a large number of Top 10 and Top 20 tennis players. We will announce their names soon," he said.

He said Novak Djokovic was already back in training after lifting his 10th career Aussie Open title last month and was hoping to win as many titles as possible this year regardless of whether he would be able to play in the US or not.