Djokovic asks for special permission to enter US despite vaccine status

• US rules require air travelers to be vaccinated against Covid
• World No 1 wants to play at Indian Wells and Miami Open

Novak Djokovic has asked American authorities for special permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida despite being unvaccinated against the coronavirus, the world No 1 said on Wednesday.

The Transportation Security Administration has said the requirement for foreign air travelers to be fully vaccinated against the disease would be in place at least until mid-April. The tournament in Indian Wells will be played from 6-19 March, and the Miami Open is scheduled from 20 March-2 April.