"If not, it's not the end of the world": Ivanisevic admits Djokovic hasn't given up hope in Miami Open quest

Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic's coach, acknowledged that they are not giving up on participating in the Miami Open.

Novak Djokovic had hoped to participate in the 'sunshine double' this year, but restrictions on entering the United States did not allow him to do so as he was not vaccinated, despite requesting a 'special permit' to compete in the tournaments.

The world No. 1 had to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, but the battle for Miami in two weeks' time is not yet lost, according to recent statements by Ivanisevic: “We haven’t given up.”

“He wants to play and I would love it if they allow him – it would be great both for him and for tennis. If not, it’s not the end of the world, he didn’t play last year as well,” said Novak Djokovic's coach.

Ivanisevic also added that the most important goal for "Nole" right now is the French Open, and playing in Miami may not be the best option to prepare for the clay tournaments that will be played from April, in the lead-up to Roland Garros.

“In terms of preparing for the European clay court season, I’m not sure playing in Miami is the best solution. It depends on Novak – in the past he has triumphed in Monte Carlo having played in Indian Wells and Miami,”

“If he is mentally ready and in his fighter mode, like he was in Australia, then anything is possible. Nothing is comparable to last year, a year no ordinary human being would ‘survive’,” added Ivanisevic.