Novak Djokovic wins Grand Slam backing in bid to overturn Indian Wells and Miami ban

Novak Djokovic's hopes of playing at Indian Wells and the Miami Masters have been backed by the country's governing body for sport as well as the US Open. The United States is not yet allowing unvaccinated internationals into the country, meaning Djokovic is set to miss two of the biggest tournaments on the tennis calendar this month.

But Djokovic and his team have tried to secure an exemption to travel to the country to compete in the two Masters 1000 tournaments. The 22-time major champion confirmed last month that he had asked US authorities for a special authorization to enter the United States, although he is not vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The Transportation Security Administration recently said vaccination requirements for internationals would be in place until at least mid-April. "Everything is currently in progress. I have a great desire to be there," Djokovic said a few weeks ago.

"I am truly grateful to the [officials] and tournament community in Indian Wells and Miami for their public support, and they would love for me to play in their tournaments." And Djokovic's bid to enter the country and play in the "Sunshine Double" has received support from the US Open and the USTA.

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"Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen," the tweet read. "The USTA and the US Open hope that Novak will be successful in his application to enter the country and that fans will be able to see him in action in Indian Wells and Miami."

Time is running out for Djokovic to receive the news he is hoping for with the Indian Wells draw taking place on March 8. It was last year when Djokovic came under pressure for pulling out of Indian Wells after the draw saw his appeal for a waiver to play dismissed.

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The ATP Tour sent an email confirming the penalty for dropping out of the main draw of a Masters 1000 event. suspended from a subsequent ATP Tour Masters 1000 event".

“This event will be the event where the player has earned the highest point total in the previous 12 months,” the email continues.

As defending champion of the Paris Masters the previous year, this tournament had to be suspended for Djokovic. But Djokovic won on appeal...