Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked Serb, has asked American authorities for special permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida, despite not being vaccinated against the coronavirus. 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, and the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami are scheduled from March 6–19 and March 20–April 2 respectively. Djokovic stated his “big desire” to be in the United States, and expressed his appreciation for the support of the Indian Wells and Miami tournament officials. Last year, the 35-year-old was deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open due to his vaccination status, but he returned in January to win his 22nd Grand Slam title, tying Rafael Nadal’s record. Djokovic believes Nadal is still his biggest rival on the court, despite the rise of 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. This week, Djokovic tied German great Steffi Gaff with 377 weeks at the top of the world rankings, which he said was “very flattering”. His next tournament will be next week’s Dubai Open.