Serbia's Novak Djokovic practices at Memorial Drive Tennis Club, ahead of the Adelaide International and Australian Open tournaments, in Adelaide, Australia, December 31, 2022. [Source: Reuters]

Novak Djokovic said he was hoping for a positive outcome shortly, having applied for special permission to enter the United States to compete in ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami that begin next month.

Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against COVID-19, added he would return to the ATP tour in Dubai next week after winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open title and his 22nd Grand Slam last month.

The U.S. vaccine requirement for foreign air travellers is not expected to be lifted before the main draw begins at Indian Wells on March 9 and the Miami Open later in the month, meaning Djokovic could miss out for a second straight year.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration said last month it would lift COVID emergency declarations on May 11, but Djokovic — named on the Indian Wells entry list — said he had submitted the required documentation for special permission.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said last month it would be a “disgrace” if Djokovic was not allowed to compete in the U.S. in 2023 after the Serbian also missed last year’s major at Flushing Meadows.

Djokovic, who missed last year’s Australian Open and was deported from the country due to his vaccine status, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID shot.