Will Novak Djokovic play in Miami Open amid US travel ban? Coach provides key update

22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic has revealed that team has not given hope on playing in Florida. Earlier this week, 2023 Australian Open winner withdrew from BNP Paribas Open 2023 due to USA’s Covid-19 restrictions that deny unvaccinated foreign nationals from entering country. However, player has received support from many in US, with Florida Senator Ron DeSantis calling on President Joe Biden to allow him to play.

Meanwhile as reported by Tennis 365, former Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic has said Djokovic still wants to play in Miami Open tournament. Speaking to Tennis Major, Ivanisevic said, “We haven’t given up. He wants to play and I would love it if y allow him – it would be great both for him and for tennis. If not, it’s not end of world, he didn’t play last year as well. most important thing is that we find out soon so that we can make a plan”. 

Under current Covid-19 guidelines in USA, Djokovic is not allowed to enter country till May 11. However, in case Djokovic is denied to play in Miami Open, he will be next seen in action at Monte-Carlo Masters, which begins on April 20. This means that clay court season would be slightly undercooked for Djokovic, as he would go over a month without any on-court appearance. He returned with a semi-final loss against Daniil Medvedev in his last match at Dubai Tennis Championships on March 3.

"I’m not sure playing in Miami is best solution"

Meanwhile, shedding light on Djokovic’s campaign this season, coach said, “Although, in terms of preparing for European clay court season, I’m not sure playing in Miami is best solution. It depends on Novak – in past he has triumphed in Monte Carlo having played in Indian Wells and Miami. If he is mentally rey and in his fighter mode, like he was in Australia, n anything is possible.”

While Indian Wells Masters kicked off on March 6, Miami Open 2023 is scheduled to be played from March 19 onwards. Djokovic started his 2023 season with a historic 22nd Grand Slam title win in Melbourne. In process, he leveled Rafael Nal’s feat of winning most no. of major titles.