Novak Djokovic denied permission to compete in Miami Open

Serbian star also missed tournament at Indian Wells after being unable to secure exemption over his unvaccinated status

World No1 Novak Djokovic has been denied permission to compete in the US as he is unvaccinated. PA

Novak Djokovic will not be competing in the Miami Open that starts next week after the Serbian star was denied special permission to play in the US.

World No 1 Djokovic is not vaccinated against Covid-19, and currently only international visitors who have taken the vaccine are allowed entry into the country.

Those restrictions are due to be lifted next month and the Serbian had hoped to gain special permission to play in the US this month at Indian Wells and Miami.

Djokovic had to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open after being unable to secure special dispensation. Miami tournament director James Blake confirmed that Djokovic has also failed in his bid to feature at the Florida tournament.

"We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn't able to happen," Blake told Tennis Channel.

"Obviously, we're one of the premier tournaments in the world, we'd like to have the best players that can play. We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that's out of our hands."

Florida governor Ron DeSantis and the state's two US senators were among those calling on the Biden administration to allow Djokovic to enter the US and compete at the tournament he has won six times.

Djokovic's opposition to being vaccinated resulted in him missing six important tournaments last season, including the Australian Open and US Open.

With vaccination against Covid-19 no longer required to enter Australia, he competed in this year's Australian Open in January and claimed a 22nd grand slam single title.

The 35-year-old is set to return to action on clay at the Monte Carlo Masters beginning on April 9.

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