Ron DeSantis is demanding that President Joe Biden reverse the denial of entry to the United States for unvaccinated tennis star Novak Djokovic, calling the continued restrictions “unscientific.”
The letter, obtained by DailyMail.com, comes on the same day DeSantis delivered his State of the State address and ramps up its national activity as he moves closer to a presidential announcement.
Djokovic is on the verge of pulling out of the Indian Wells Open in Miami, Florida, as his hopes for a Covid-19 vaccine exemption fade, reports said.
“The denial is unfair, unscientific and unacceptable,” DeSantis wrote in his letter. “I urge you to reconsider.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis demands President Joe Biden ‘reconsider’ his refusal for Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic to enter the country for the Miami Open because he does not have the COVID-19 vaccination
Novak Djokovic (pictured) will withdraw from the Indian Wells Open tournament next week
The world No. 1’s desire for an exemption for next week’s tournament is fading as Djokovic admits on Thursday that he will withdraw before the draw is made, whether or not a decision is confirmed.
There are only five days left until the opening game of the Masters this season and the 35-year-old has not yet received a response from the US government on his application.
He said, “Whatever the decision, if I’m not allowed, of course I’ll withdraw before the draw.
“Let’s see what the answer is, then I’ll take it from there. I’m now concentrating on the tournament here in Dubai, then we’ll see what follows.’
The letter comes as nearly all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the US and the national emergency declaration is expected to expire in May.
“It’s time to put pandemic politics aside and give the American people what they want — let him play,” DeSantis urged.
“The only thing stopping Mr. Djokovic from participating in this tournament is your government’s continued enforcement of a misguided, unscientific and outdated COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreign guests who wish to visit our great country,” said Florida Governor. . Biden and penetrating the remnants of pandemic-era policies.
The letter is a further sign that Desantis is preparing to run against Biden if they go head-to-head in a 2024 general election race.
The US is the only country on the ATP tour that requires players to be vaccinated — though that rule will be lifted by President Joe Biden’s office on May 11 — three months before the Grand Slam US Open.
DeSantis’ two-page letter to Biden, obtained by DailyMail.com before going public, shows Florida’s governor demanding the president stop enforcing “a misguided, unscientific and outdated COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreign nationals.” guests’.
His absence gives teenager Carlos Alcaraz (above) a chance to top the world rankings
Djokovic missed the flagship US Open and several other competitions in the US last year after the Center for Disease Control failed to relax its rules. Organizers from Indian Wells and Miami have urged the government to allow him into the country.
The Serb only withdrew from last year’s Indian Wells entry list after the draw was made, which was controversial given his decision meant the first alternate had to go through qualifying rather than take his spot, and denied another the chance to take the qualifying place. .
But this year he has insisted on withdrawing from the draw rather than waiting until shortly before the first game.
His final decision could come on Saturday, after the Dubai Duty Free Championships have concluded, with the Indian Wells draw on Sunday, a day before the event kicks off.
If Djokovic withdraws, Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz could top the world rankings, but only if he wins the tournament.
The veteran, who has been unbeaten for 15 games, will face Daniil Medvedev, champion of the US Open 2021, in the semifinals of Dubai on Friday.
British star Emma Raducanu, 20, was handed a Miami Open wild card spot on Thursday and will also be performing in Indian Wells after several other players pulled out.
Miami Open chief and ex-player James Blake has urged the US government to let Djokovic in
.