Novak Djokovic officially gives up on Miami Open hopes after ‘trying everything’ to play | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic has officially pulled out of the Miami Open with just two days until the tournament starts. It comes after his coach said the world No 1 hadn’t “given up” on the idea that he could still play despite being forced to withdraw from Indian Wells. Djokovic is unable to enter the US unvaccinated under the current travel restrictions, leaving him unable to play the ‘sunshine double’.

Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Miami Open after missing the Indian Wells Masters. The world No 1 had his vaccine waiver request denied by Homeland Security which forced him to pull out of Indian Wells and was originally holding out hope that things could be resolved in time for him to compete in Miami.

But the six-time champion in Florida has now given up and taken his name off the entry list with two days until the tournament begins. Tournament director James Blake confirmed the news on Friday, telling Tennis Channel that they “tried everything” to get the Serb into the country to compete.

“We tried everything to allow Novak Djokovic to enter with an exemption, but that didn’t happen,” the former pro-turned-tournament boss said. “It is obvious that we are one of the biggest tournaments and we would love to have all the best players in the world.”

Blake also revealed that the tournament tried to discuss the situation with the government but were unable to work around the restrictions, which are set to be dropped on May 11. ” We did what we could,” he added.

“We were trying to talk to the government, but that decision was not in our hands.” It comes after Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic said the world No 1 was still hoping to find a solution in time to play in Miami after withdrawing from Indian Wells.

“We haven’t given up (on Miami),” the Croat told Tennis Majors last week. “He wants to play and I would love it if they allow him – it would be great both for him and for tennis.”