Novak Djokovic left no stone unturned in his failed bid to play in Indian Wells this week and has reportedly requested some high-profile assists to try to overturn his travel ban. Like last year, the Serbian star was again absent from the BNP Paribas Open, due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid.
report in The New York Times Djokovic and his team began a “flurry of phone calls and pressure” from people they knew who might have connections to the Biden administration – including King. But the operation for the time being was not successful. Some of those sought have reportedly asked not to be named.
The report also adds that Djokovic and manager Eduardo Artaldi also spoke with Ken Solomon, CEO of Tennis Channel and an ally of President Biden. Arguing the 22-time slam champion should have been given an exemption, Solomon said this week: “Nearly a million fans attend during nearly four weeks combined in Southern California and then Miami, and the economic impact means many millions in revenue for these local communities, which If it succeeds in attracting fans it will either thrive or cost people their jobs.”
Meanwhile, the iconic King worked with the Biden administration in 2022 to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Title IX project, designed to provide equal opportunity in American sports for young women.
