When will Novak Djokovic next play after Miami Open vaccine exemption snub?

Novak Djokovic will not be able to play the Miami Open and is expected to return on clay at Monte-Carlo Masters.

In the days leading up to the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, it was revealed that Novak Djokovic would not be able to enter the United States due to his decision not to get vaccinated, as the rules prohibit non-U.S. citizens from entering the country without Covid-19 vaccines. However, the organizers of the Miami Open tried to speak with authorities to pressure for an exemption for the Serbian player, but they were unsuccessful, according to former world No. 4 and tournament director James Blake.

“We’d love to have him, and he’s our greatest champion, he’s won six times here. Unfortunately, that’s way above my pay grade,” said Blake.

Goran Ivanisevic, in an interview with Tennis Majors, hinted that the next tournament on Nole's schedule would be in Monte Carlo.

“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,” said Ivanisevic.

“If he is mentally ready and in his fighter mode, like he was in Australia, then anything is possible.”

Novak Djokovic won his first Monte Carlo tournament in 2013 by defeating Rafael Nadal (after losing in two finals in 2009 and 2012), and with this, he ended the streak of 8 consecutive trophies won by the Spaniard between 2005 and 2012. His second and last trophy was in 2015 against Tomas Berdych. The next edition of Monte Carlo will be played from April 9th and will also feature the return of the 11-time champion Rafael Nadal.