Novak Djokovic insists that he has “no regrets” about being forced to miss key tournaments in the United States due to his stance against the Covid-19 vaccine.
But the Serbian star – who was not allowed to compete at Indian Wells and Miami due to his refusal to be vaccinated – still hopes that he will be allowed into the country to play at the US Open later this year.
Djokovic's vaccine stance resulted in him missing six significant tournaments last season, including the Australian Open and US Open.
With vaccination against Covid-19 no longer required to enter the country, he competed in this year's Australian Open in January and claimed a 22nd Grand Slam singles title.
The US currently bars unvaccinated foreigners from entering the country, though the policy is expected to be lifted when the government ends its Covid-19 emergency declarations next month.
Djokovic, 35, unsuccessfully applied to the US government for special permission to play at Indian Wells and Miami. Carlos Alcaraz leapfrogged the Serb back into top spot in the world rankings after winning the Indian Wells title on Sunday.
Djokovic, who will be back in action at the Monte Carlo Masters beginning on April 9, said he has no regrets about his decision.
“I have no regrets,” Djokovic told CNN. “I've learnt through life that regrets only hold you back and basically make you live in the past.
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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
“I don't want to do that. I also don't want to live too much in the future. I want to be as much as in the present moment but of course think about future, create a better future.
“So I congratulate Alcaraz. He absolutely deserves to come back to number one.”
Djokovic said it was unfortunate he was not allowed to compete in the US where he won three of his 22 major titles.
“But at the same time, it's the conscious decision I made and I knew that there is always a possibility that I won't go,” Djokovic said.
“It's the current state or current situation that I hope will change for later this year, for the US Open. That's the most important tournament for me on American soil.”
The US Open begins at Flushing Meadows in New York on August 28.
