Novak Djokovic’s tournament prospects dwindle after being banned from upcoming Italian event following Miami Open drama

Novak Djokovic‘s decision not to get vaccinated has already cost him the opportunity to play in the 2023 Indian Wells and Miami Open. Unfortunately, he will now also be unable to attend an upcoming event in Italy.

According to reports, Novak has been invited to play in an Italian event in conjunction with the Miami Open later this month because of his absence from the Miami tournament. However, the current world No. 1 is ineligible to accept the invitation due to ATP regulations.

Why is Novak Djokovic banned from entering a tournament in Italy?

Article 7.07 of the ATP Rulebook says that Djokovic won’t be allowed to play in the tournament, even if he wants to.

“Players positioned 1-10 in the ATP Singles Rankings twenty-one days prior to the first Monday of the ATP Challenger Tour tournament are prohibited from entering, accepting a wild card, and/or competing in an ATP Challenger Tour tournament,” according to the rulebook.

Novak Djokovic has been invited to play a Challenger event after 18 years, if he is not allowed to play Miami 🔥

Should he play it and earn some ranking points? 👏#NovakDjokovic #Challenger #Tennis pic.twitter.com/acwd659MET

— Sportskeeda Tennis (@SK__Tennis) March 13, 2023

His current ranking is already under threat after being absent from the 2023 BNP Paribas, as the 2nd place, Carlos Alcaraz, will dethrone him should he win the tournament. Carlos has already qualified for the round of 16 and is among the favorites to win.

Many think that Novak and Nadal’s absence from the BNP Paribas Open will result in the tournament’s failure, but world no. 10 Felix Auger-Aliassime thinks otherwise. 

Novak was denied entry to the United States because of the country’s COVID-19 regulations. Ron DeSantis, a governor of Florida, has requested the president, Joe Biden, grant the Serbian special permission to enter the country in order to participate in the Miami Open. 

Also read : Novak Djokovic gets hope as political opponents bash Joe Biden’s “misguided” vaccination policy following travel ban

Reports indicate that the United States government intends to review its entry requirements in May, which could result in Djokovic being granted permission to compete in the US Open later this year. The world no. 1 will remain banned for the time being. 

How has 2023 been for Nole so far?

Nole already has a Grand Slam to his name in 2023. His victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the Australian Open gave him his 22nd grand slam title. With this win, Novak tied Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam singles titles ever.

As things stand, Novak’s earliest return to the court can be at the Monte Carlo Masters at the beginning of April. Fans can’t wait to see him back in action.