The United States Tennis Association and the US Open hope that world number one Novak Djokovic will be allowed to compete at the Masters in Indian Wells and Miami this month.
The 35-year-old 22-time Grand Slam winner applied for a special permit because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19.
The US requires foreign visitors to be vaccinated and will require proof until at least April 10.
Djokovic missed last year’s US Open due to his vaccination status.
Indian Wells and Miami Open – the two most prestigious tournaments in the tennis calendar outside the Grand Slam – start on March 6 and 20, respectively.
US Open tweeted: “Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen.
“The USTA and US Open hope that Novak will be able to enter the country and that fans will be able to see him in action again in Indian Wells and Miami.”
Djokovic, who also missed last year’s Australian Open and was deported from the country over his vaccination status, said he would have missed the Grand Slams rather than get the Covid shot.
Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said in January that it would be a “disgrace” if Djokovic was not allowed to compete in the US this year.
The draw at Indian Wells will take place on Monday and Djokovic, who competes in the Dubai Tennis Championships this week, said: “If I’m not allowed, of course I’ll be in the draw.”
