"It's a complete joke, it's absurd" - Novak Djokovic missing the Sunshine Double would be a 'damn shame', says John McEnroe

As Novak Djokovic awaits a decision on his request to enter the United States next month, tennis legend John McEnroe has extended his support to the player, saying that it would be "absurd" if he is not allowed to play.

While the Serb was deported from Australia in January 2022 due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19, he also missed the US Open and four Masters tournaments on the North American continent. America continues to follow strict protocols, requiring foreign travelers to show proof of vaccination to enter the country. These restrictions will be lifted on May 11 this year.

However, the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open are scheduled to be held in March. A few days ago, Djokovic requested the US authorities for a special exemption to allow him to participate in the two events.

With the decision still pending, McEnroe has suggested that there's no reason not to let him play. Despite disagreeing with the World No. 1's stance on vaccines, the American hopes he will be allowed to enter the US.

"I think it's a complete joke that he's not allowed to play. It's absurd they threw him out of Australia last year. I have had my vaccines. I respect that he's chosen not to do it. I would have done it but that's a whole other issue."

"But at this point, or even last year, he played in 2021 and then wasn't allowed to come in 2022. Someone explain that to me. And now he's still not able to play? It's absurd, in my opinion. We'll see what happens," McEnroe said.

The 64-year-old added that it is a crucial juncture in time as Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are both tied for 22 Grand Slam titles, leading him to believe that it would be a "damn shame" if the former were prevented from competing in the US Open.

"It would be absurd if he couldn't play Indian Wells or Miami or any other tournament in the US, especially the US Open," McEnroe said. "This is a historic time in our sport, obviously with him and Rafa both at 22 [Grand Slams]. It's pretty interesting if you ask me, so it would be a damn shame," he added.

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"People want me to go to America" - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic during the 2021 US Open

At a recent press conference, Novak Djokovic commented on his exemption request to enter the US, saying that it wasn't under his control but that he wanted to go and play.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion further declared that fans wanted him to play in the United States, a sentiment he hopes the concerned authorities will come to share in the coming days as well.

"It depends on the situation, I'm waiting for an answer and it's not in my hands," Djokovic said. "We'll see how things unfold in the next two weeks. The process is ongoing and that's all I know. Of course, I'd like to play and I'm glad that I got support from the tournament director. People want me to go to America and play, and I want that, but I hope that the side that decides about it will also think so."

The 35-year-old will next compete at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, beginning on February 27.