‘Out of our hands’: Novak Djokovic officially banned from Miami Open

Novak Djokovic is back in the world No. 1 position but the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s exile appears immovable — for now.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – MARCH 02: Novak Djokovic of Serbia in reacts against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland during their Men's Quarterfinal match on day twelve of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has officially been banned from the Miami Open after event organisers efforts fell on deaf ears.

But Djokovic could lose his top spot if Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz continues his stunning Indian Wells run against 11th seed Jannik Sinner in the tournament’s semi-final.

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

If Alcaraz wins the title dubbed “The Fifth Major” at Indian Wells, he will regain the World No. 1 mantle from Djokovic, although will have to win in Miami to maintain it as he is the reigning champion and defending 1000 rankings points.

There is nothing Djokovic can do about maintaining his position after being locked out of the US and having officially withdrawn from the entry list to Miami.

The ban stems from Djokovic’s refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccination, a stance he has held throughout the pandemic and cost him the opportunity to play in both the Australian Open and US Open in 2022.

Djokovic had applied for a waiver from the US government, particularly with restrictions set to end in May.

According to reports, his request centres on a declaration he has contracted the virus on two previous occasions, filing for a medical exemption on that basis.

The only good news for Djokovic is that he will likely be free to play the 2023 US Open, beginning August 28.

Djokovic is officially out of Miami. Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP

The United States still doesn’t allow unvaccinated international travellers to enter the country, with the Transportation Security Administration recently indicating the policy would not change until at least mid-April.

The White House announced last month the policy may not be scrapped until May 11.

Miami tournament director James Blake said he had done all he could but could not sway the government.

“We’re one of the premier tournaments in the world, we’d like to have the best players that can play,” Blake said in an interview with the Tennis Channel.

“We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that’s out of our hands. We tried, and he wasn’t able to play.

“Same result that he had in Indian Wells, where I know (Indian Wells tournament director) Tommy Haas did as much as he could.

“We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn’t able to happen.

“We’d love to have him, and he’s our greatest champion, he’s won six times here. Unfortunately, that’s way above my pay grade.”

It comes after Republican Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging the Biden administration to grant the 22-time Grand Slam champion a waiver.

Expected Presidential candidate and Florida governor Ron DeSantis even offered to smuggled the Serbian superstar into the country.

“I would run a boat from the Bahamas here for him. I would do that a hundred per cent,” DeSantis said at a press conference.

“I think his people are looking at it, and I’m not sure that’s the way they want to come into the country, which I understand. I think it’d be a great moment, but you know, nevertheless.”

Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open crown. Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP

The US’ stance has been panned by pundits and tennis stars, including US political comedian Bill Maher.

Maher said on HBO’s ‘Real Tim with Bill Maher’: “Imminent danger? Of a man playing tennis? Of a man who has had it twice?

“He’s standing alone. A sport where you stand alone in the middle of a stadium, outside, in a country where everyone has already had it. No imminent danger? This country is stuck on stupid, it just is.”

Djokovic’s vaccination status saw him deported from Australia shortly before the 2022 Australian Open. After winning Wimbledon he also missed the US Open last year because of the travel restriction.

He returned to Australia in January, winning the 2023 Australian Open for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title.