Novak Djokovic said he had no regrets about missing tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, but hoped to return to the US for the US Open later this year.
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The United States currently prohibits unvaccinated foreigners from entering the country; however, this policy is expected to be lifted when the government’s Covid emergency declarations expire in May.
Djokovic, 35, unsuccessfully sought special permission from the US government to compete in Indian Wells and Miami.
After winning the Indian Wells title on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed the top spot in the world rankings.
‘I have no regrets,’ Djokovic said, according to CNN. ‘I’ve learned in my life that regrets only hold you back and force you to live in the past.
‘I’m not going to do that. I also don’t want to live in the future too much. I want to be as present as possible, but I also want to think about the future and work to make it a better place.
‘As a result, I congratulate Alcaraz. He fully deserves to return to No. 1.’
Djokovic said it was a shame he couldn’t compete in the United States, where he has had a lot of success, including three of his 22 major titles.
‘But, at the same time, it was a conscious decision I made, and I knew there was always a chance I wouldn’t go,’ Djokovic said.
‘It’s the current state or situation that I hope will change for the US Open later this year. That is the most important tournament on American soil for me.’
The controversy, according to the Serb, has not dampened his enthusiasm for the sport.
‘On the contrary, I’m as excited and motivated as ever for the sport, my family, my foundation, all the projects, and everything I’m doing off the court,’ he said.
‘Dignity, integrity, and staying true to myself, my beliefs, and my rights come first.’
