BREAKING NEWS: Ron DeSantis writes to Biden calling for unvaccinated Novak Djokovic to be allowed to enter US for Miami Open – and slams ‘unscientific’ vaccine requirements for foreign travelers
- DailyMail.com obtained a letter that the Governor of Florida sent to Joe Biden
- DeSantis asked the president to allow an unvaccinated Serbian tennis star to enter the United States so he can compete in Florida
- Novak Djokovic set to withdraw from Indian Wells Open tournament
Ron DeSantis is demanding that President Joe Biden reverse the denial of US entry for unvaccinated tennis star Novak Djokovic, calling the continued restrictions “unscientific”.
The letter, obtained by DailyMail.com, comes the same day DeSantis delivered his state of the state address and increases his national activity as he nears a presidential announcement.
Djokovic is set to pull out of the Indian Wells Open in Miami, Florida as his hopes of a Covid-19 vaccine waiver dwindle, according to reports.
“Denial is unfair, unscientific and unacceptable,” DeSantis wrote in his letter. “I urge you to reconsider.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis demands President Joe Biden ‘reconsider’ his denial of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic to enter the country for the Miami Open because he does not have the COVID vaccine -19
Novak Djokovic (pictured) is set to withdraw from the Indian Wells Open tournament next week
The world No.1’s wish for a bye for next week’s tournament is fading, with Djokovic admitting on Thursday he will step down before the draw whether or not a decision is confirmed.
With just five days left until the opening competition of the Masters this season, the 35-year-old has yet to receive a response from the US government regarding his candidacy.
He said: “Whatever the decision, if I am not cleared I will of course withdraw before the draw.
‘Let’s see what the answer is, then I’ll go from there. I will focus now on the tournament here in Dubai and then we will see what happens next.
The letter comes as nearly all COVID-19 restrictions in the United States have been lifted and the national emergency declaration is set to end in May.
“It’s time to put pandemic politics aside and give the American people what they want — let them play,” DeSantis insisted.
The United States is the only country on the ATP Tour for which players must be vaccinated – although this rule was lifted on May 11 by President Joe Biden’s office – three months before the US Open Grand Slam.
Djokovic missed the flagship US Open and several other competitions in the United States last year after the Center for Disease Control failed to relax its rules. Organizers in Indian Wells and Miami urged the government to let him into the country.
The Serb only dropped from the roster at Indian Wells last year after the draw, which was controversial given his decision meant the first substitute had to qualify rather than take his place , and denied another the opportunity to take the qualifying spot. .
His absence gives teenager Carlos Alcaraz (above) the chance to top the world rankings
But this year he insisted he would retire before the draw rather than wait until shortly before the first game.
His final decision could come on Saturday, after the Dubai Duty Free Championships conclude, with the Indian Wells draw on Sunday, a day before the event begins.
If Djokovic retires, Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz can rise to the top of the world rankings, but only if he wins the tournament.
The veteran, who is 15 games unbeaten, will face 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals in Dubai on Friday.
British star Emma Raducanu, 20, was given a wild card spot at the Miami Open on Thursday and will also appear in Indian Wells after several other players withdrew.
Chef and former Miami Open player James Blake has urged the US government to let Djokovic in
