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Because of his Covid-19 immunization status, Novak Djokovic stated he had no regrets about missing tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, but he intended to travel to the US for the US Open later this year.
Unvaccinated foreigners are now prohibited from entering the United States, but this restriction will likely disappear in May when the government ends its Covid emergency declarations.
Djokovic, 35, unsuccessfully requested special permission from the US authorities to compete in Indian Wells and Miami.
After winning the Indian Wells championship on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz overtook the Serb to reclaim the top spot in the world rankings.
"I don't regret anything, Djokovic told CNN. "I've seen through life's experiences that regrets just set you back and essentially force you to dwell in the past.
"I'm not going to do that. Also, I don't wish to live a long life. I want to live as fully as possible in the now, but I must also consider the future and work toward improving it.
So I'm happy for Alcaraz. He deserves to return to No. 1 without a doubt."
Djokovic expressed regret about not being able to compete in the US, where he had achieved great success and won three of his 22 major championships.
But at the same time, I made a deliberate decision to attend, and I was aware that I might decide not to, Djokovic added.
For the US Open later this year, I'm hoping that the current state or situation will change. For me, that competition is the most significant one taking place in America.
The Serb claimed that the incident had not diminished his love of the game.
Contrary to popular belief, I am still as focused and excited as ever about my family, my foundation, my initiatives, and everything else I'm doing.
"My dignity, integrity, keeping true to who I am, my values, and my rights are above everything."
