Tennis great <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/it-stays-with-you-novak-djokovic-back-in-australia-after-dramatic-detention-deportation-over-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Novak Djokovic</a> made history on Sunday when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in three sets to win the U.S. Open, scoring him his 24th major championship, tying the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles.
Djokovic, who has refused to take the COVID vaccine, was notably banned from entering the U.S. last year due to a Biden administration vaccine rule, keeping the athlete from competing in the U.S. Open last year.
&#8220;To make history [in] this sport is just something truly remarkable and special, obviously, in every possible way, in every possible meaning of the word,&#8221; Djokovic said after winning the Open, <a href="https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/38373910/novak-djokovic-beats-daniil-medvedev-win-2023-us-open-24th-major-title" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to ESPN. &#8220;It&#8217;s hard to describe the words.&#8221;
&#8220;I never imagined that I would be here standing with you talking about 24 Slams,&#8221; the 36-year-old continued. &#8220;I never thought that would be the reality. But the last couple of years, I felt I have a chance, I have a shot for history, and why not grab it if it&#8217;s presented?&#8221;
Djokovic, who said he had already contracted and recovered from the virus, has chosen not to get <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccinated</a> against <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID</a>. This led to the dramatic <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/novak-djokovic-loses-visa-appeal-deported-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detainment and deportation</a> of the tennis star from Australia, rendering him unable to defend his Australian Open title in 2021. Later, he was banned from New York for the 2022 U.S. Open, similarly over his vaccination status.
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“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for [the] US Open,” he said at the time on social media. “Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!”
Djokovic spoke about what happened to him about a year after the Australia incident. “Obviously what happened 12 months ago was not easy for me, for my family, team, anybody who is close to me,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It’s obviously disappointing to leave the country like that.”
“You can’t forget those events,” Djokovic continued. “It’s one of these things that stays with you for I guess the rest of your life. It’s something that I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again. But it is a valuable life experience for me and something that as I said will stay there, but I have to move on.”
The athlete has been open about what he&#8217;s willing to give up for his personal medical choices, specifically tennis championships.
“That is the price that I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60354068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the BBC. “Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”
“I was never against vaccination,” he added, “but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/it-stays-with-you-novak-djokovic-back-in-australia-after-dramatic-detention-deportation-over-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">It ‘Stays With You’: Novak Djokovic Back In Australia After Dramatic Detention, Deportation Over Vaccine</a>

2023 US Open Championships Day 14

Novak Djokovic Comes Back To Win U.S. Open After Biden Vax Policy Ban Last Year 

COVID

Covid vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine

Novak Djokovic

Tennis

U.S. Open

US Open

Vaccine Mandate

Vaccines

World

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers attended the US Open on Sunday night and appeared to praise tennis star Novak Djokovic’s refusal to get the COVID vaccine. 
Rodgers, who has received criticism in the past for his own actions regarding the COVID jab, was in attendance watching Djokovic in Queens, New York. Djokovic is competing in his first US Open in two years because he refused to get the shot. 
In an Instagram story Sunday night, Rodgers <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/09/04/aaron-rodgers-praises-novak-djokovics-anti-vaxx-stance-in-post-from-us-open/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> a photo of Djokovic preparing to serve the ball with the caption, “Bucket list … being able to witness the greatness of [Djokovic] in person at [Arthur Ashe Stadium]. He also included a hashtag that said “#novaxdjokovic” and had placed a red line through the Moderna logo – a biotech company that produces COVID vaccines – in an advertisement that can be seen behind the tennis star. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Aaron Rodgers went to watch Novak Djokovic play at the US Open and dropped a banger IG story <a href="https://t.co/EpVgtw6yHS">pic.twitter.com/EpVgtw6yHS</a>
&mdash; OutKick (@Outkick) <a href="https://twitter.com/Outkick/status/1698736833734050237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Djokovic, who is from Serbia, is considered one of the <a href="https://www.espn.com/tennis/rankings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best</a> tennis players of all time but was denied entry into the United States in 2022 for the US Open. At the time, international air travelers were required to show <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/world-no-1-djokovic-finally-can-play-in-u-s-again-after-biden-ends-vaccine-requirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proof</a> of vaccination against COVID before being allowed to enter the country. 
Earlier this year, just weeks before the COVID rule was rescinded, Djokovic was <a href="https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/35795350/novak-djokovic-pulls-indian-wells-eve-draw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forced to withdraw</a> from the Indian Wells tournament in California because the Department of Homeland Security denied his COVID vaccine waiver request, ESPN reported. 
“The reason why I was not here for two years, I have zero regret on that. I’m just glad to be back,” Djokovic <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/15/sport/novak-djokovic-cincinnati-open-tennis-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told CNN</a> last month upon arriving for the US Open. “I’ve had plenty of success on American soil with Indian Wells, Miami, obviously Canada and here, [I’ve] won many times at these Masters 1,000 events, all of them. Of course, the U.S. Open as well being the pinnacle of the hard-court season. I’m just excited.”
For his part, Rodgers has also made headlines for his refusal of the COVID vaccine. In 2021, Rodgers was asked whether he was vaccinated against COVID, to which he replied that he was “immunized.” The former Green Bay Packer said he is allergic to one of the ingredients in the Pfizer and Moderna shots. 
&#8220;They were doing this, I called it a witch hunt, where they were asking every single player ‘are you vaccinated?’” Rodgers <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/aaron-rodgers-blasts-medias-vaccine-witch-hunt-in-chat-with-joe-rogan-reveals-immunized-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> podcast host Joe Rogan last year. “I had come to the conclusion that I was going to say, ‘I’ve been immunized,’ and if there was a follow-up, then talk about my process,” he said. “But I thought there was a possibility that, I say I’m immunized, maybe they understand what that means, maybe they don’t, maybe they follow up. They didn’t follow up.”
Instead of getting injected with a vaccine, Rodgers said he &#8220;looked into other options which included an immunization process through holistic doctor. I researched and talked to probably a dozen different MDs. I found a protocol that I felt like was the best available.”
Research on the relatively new COVID vaccines is still being conducted. According to one leading medical expert, young men <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/more-than-100-colleges-are-still-enforcing-vaccine-mandates-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">face an elevated risk</a> of heart inflammation after vaccination, The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/more-than-100-colleges-are-still-enforcing-vaccine-mandates-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. 
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Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and an oncology surgeon at the school’s affiliated hospital, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/covid-vaccine-brings-higher-heart-risk-little-benefit-to-young-men-medical-expert-warns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highlighted</a> a study from Cedars Sinai that found a 30% increase in heart attack deaths among adults between the ages of 25 and 44 during the first two years of the COVID pandemic. While the uptick could result from the virus itself, Makary, speaking to The Daily Wire&#8217;s “Morning Wire” podcast in February, said there’s evidence that the vaccine could be to blame.
“We did not see the uptake before the vaccine was rolled out, but young people were primarily affected around that same time, as well,” Makary told “Morning Wire.&#8221; &#8220;The state of Florida did their own study, looking at heart attacks after the vaccine in particular, and found that there was an 81% increase in sudden death from heart attacks in the months following the vaccine compared to baseline rates. So many people do believe that the vaccine is one of the causes of heart problems in young people.”
Amanda Prestigiacomo contributed to this report.

Aaron Rodgers US Open

Aaron Rodgers Appears To Show Support For ‘Novax’ Djokovic’s COVID Vaccine Stance At US Open

Aaron Rodgers

COVID-19

Health

Sports

This article is adapted from today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/podcasts/morning-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Biden Sends Troops To Border
The Biden administration will <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-administration-considers-sending-1500-us-troops-border-ahead-lifting-title-42-sources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly send</a> 1,500 active-duty U.S. troops to the Southern border in an effort to process the expected surge of illegal aliens once a COVID-era public health rule called Title 42 expires. Title 42 allowed the federal government to remove illegal aliens in an expedited fashion due to the COVID emergency. The White House stresses these troops will not be engaged in law enforcement.
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A reporter asks Karine Jean-Pierre: &quot;if the president&#39;s priority is to treat the immigrants humanely&#8230;wouldn&#39;t he be sending social workers, psychologists, judges, lawyers to the border?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5kmrnPn08k">pic.twitter.com/5kmrnPn08k</a>
&mdash; RNC Research (@RNCResearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1653457196326469632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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With the provision set to expire on May 11, border authorities are predicting thousands of illegal aliens per day to come over the border.
Medical Journal Advocates Segregated Classes
The prestigious <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12035963/New-England-Journal-Medicine-promotes-med-students-taught-racially-segregated-settings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New England Journal of Medicine</a> drew headlines this week after publishing a paper advocating for racially segregated medical school classes. The authors argued that racially segregated classes were needed because the approach tailors areas of focus to each identity group and could be used “as part of a broader antiracism and anti-oppression curriculum.” The peer-reviewed article also claimed that doing so would effectively create a “safe space” for students to share their lived experiences. The paper went on to claim that “Medical education has historically centered White learners and continues to perpetuate structural racism.”
Oklahoma Bans Sex Change Procedures On Kids
Republican <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/oklahoma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oklahoma</a> Governor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/kevin-stitt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Stitt</a> signed a law Monday banning sex change procedures on kids, joining a growing list of red states that have moved to restrict minors from making permanent, life-altering bodily changes. The law bans surgeries like elective double mastectomies on girls who identify as boys, and prohibits puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for children. Oklahoma’s governor said he was “thrilled” to sign the law and that “we cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening across our nation.” In addition, the governor signed legislation requiring students to use the bathroom corresponding to their biological sex and to compete on the sports team of their biological sex as well.
Writers Strike
Television and movie writers <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/colbert-kimmel-fallon-late-night-shows-immediately-halt-due-to-screenwriter-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">went on strike</a> for the first time in 15 years today, meaning a variety of shows will see production delays, starting with late night. Members of the Writers Guild of America voted overwhelmingly earlier this year to authorize a strike if the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) did not approve a new contract with increased minimum pay and larger contributions to pension and health plans. The impacted shows are expected to air reruns starting tonight.
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World&#8217;s Best Tennis Player Will Be Allowed In Country
Novak Djokovic, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/world-no-1-djokovic-finally-can-play-in-u-s-again-after-biden-ends-vaccine-requirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the world’s No. 1 tennis player</a>, will finally be able to compete again in the United States after the Biden White House announced Monday they were ending the requirement that all international travelers must be COVID-vaccinated to enter the U.S. The Biden administration announced this week that it “will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travelers” at the end of the day on Thursday, May 11. Djokovic will now be eligible to compete this September in the U.S. Open, where he has won three titles. He missed the tournament in 2022 because of the vaccine requirement, but said in March that he does not regret forgoing the jab.
Feds Arrest Hundreds In Darknet Trafficking Of Fentanyl And Opioids
The Justice Department and FBI <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fentanyl-opioids-justice-department-merrick-garland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> Tuesday that 288 people have been arrested so far in a three-year international investigation targeting darknet trafficking of fentanyl and opioids. &#8220;Operation SpecTor” was the largest ever operation of this kind. In addition to the 288 people arrested, agents seized more than 850 kilograms of drugs &#8212; including 64 kilos of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics.
To listen to the audio version of this podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/morning-wire/id1576594336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>. And for more in-depth discussion of the biggest stories of the day, listen to the latest full episode of Morning Wire every morning.

Tuesday stock photo

Tuesday Afternoon Update: Biden Sends Troops To Border For Administrative Tasks, Medical Journal Advocates Segregated Classes, Writers Strike

Department of Justice

General

Hollywood

Joe Biden

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Morning Wire

New England Journal of medicine

Oklahoma

U.S.

Novak Djokovic, the world’s No. 1 tennis player, will finally be able to compete again in the United States after the Biden White House announced Monday they were ending the requirement that all international travelers must be COVID-vaccinated to enter the U.S.
“We are announcing that the Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends,” the White House <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/01/the-biden-administration-will-end-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federal-employees-contractors-international-travelers-head-start-educators-and-cms-certified-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stated</a>, adding, “Our COVID-19 vaccine requirements bolstered vaccination across the nation, and our broader vaccination campaign has saved millions of lives.”
Djokovic, 35, who has been ranked world No. 1 for a record total of 385 weeks and has finished as the year-end No. 1 a record seven times, will now be eligible to compete at the U.S. Open, where he has won three titles, in September. He missed the tournament in 2022 because of the vaccine requirement.
“No, I have no regrets,” Djokovic later told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/21/tennis/novak-djokovic-no-regrets-losing-world-no-1-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> about missing the U.S. Open. “I’ve learned through life that regrets only hold you back and basically make you live in the past. And I don’t want to do that. I also don’t want to live too much in the future. I want to be as much as in the present moment, but of course think about future, create a better future.”
Djokovic tried asking the U.S. government for special permission to play at Indian Wells and Miami in March but was rebuffed.
“It’s a pity that I wasn’t able to play in Indian Wells and Miami,” he said. “I love those tournaments. I had plenty of success there. But at the same time, it is the conscious decision I made and I knew that there is always a possibility that I won’t go. And it is the current state or current situation that I hope will change for later this year for the U.S. Open. That is the most important tournament for me on the American soil.”
Djokovic missed last year’s Australian Open and was deported from the country because he refused to get the vaccine. He has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and is currently tied with Rafael Nadal for the most in men’s tennis history.
“I think some experiences are transferrable, not all of them, but I think character is,” Djokovic has stated.

Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters – Day Five

World No. 1 Djokovic Finally Can Play In U.S. Again After Biden Ends Vaccine Requirement

Djokovic Finally Can Play In U.S. Again After Biden Ends Vaccine Requirement

Biden Administration

This article is adapted from today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/podcasts/morning-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Mexican Officials Arrest Allege Kidnapping Suspect
Mexican authorities <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/mexican-authorities-arrest-suspect-in-kidnapping-murder-of-u-s-nationals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested</a> a suspect late Tuesday allegedly tied to the kidnapping of four Americans last weekend that left two dead. The Daily Wire&#8217;s Brandon Drey joined Morning Wire&#8217;s &#8220;Afternoon update&#8221; for more on this story:
<blockquote>&#8220;The suspect, Jose Guadalupe N., is a Mexican national in his early 20’s. When he was detained he was guarding a small wooden house outside the city of Matamoros, where cartel members held the Americans. Authorities have not confirmed if he is involved with the cartel suspected of kidnapping the U.S. nationals. According to Mexican officials, when they discovered the victims kidnapped by the gunmen, two of them, Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, were deceased. Investigations and efforts to capture those responsible are ongoing.&#8221;</blockquote>
Biden&#8217;s FCC Nominee Withdraws
President Biden’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-nominee-goes-down-in-flames-after-ruthless-onslaught-from-ted-cruz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">polarizing nominee</a> to head the Federal Communications Commission has withdrawn from consideration amid significant backlash – and Democrat Senator Joe Manchin’s announcement that he would not back her.
Gigi Sohn, a former Obama official who would have been the first openly gay FCC commissioner, backs the controversial idea of net neutrality and had been vying for the job for 16 months. But in a statement Tuesday, Manchin dealt a significant blow to her chances, saying, “Especially now, the FCC must remain above the toxic partisanship that Americans are sick and tired of, and Ms. Sohn has clearly shown she is not the person to do that.” Sohn withdrew within hours of Manchin’s statement.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who has been one of the more outspoken critics of Sohn’s nomination, declared Sohn’s withdrawal a “major victory” for bipartisanship, stating, “The FCC is not a place for partisan activists; free speech is too important.”
McConnell Bashes Tucker Carlson, Fox News 
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky statesman criticized Fox News for airing newly released footage from the January 6 riots on Tucker Carlson’s Monday evening show.
&#8220;It was a mistake, in my view, for Fox News to depict this in a way that’s completely at variance with what our chief law enforcement official here at the Capitol thinks,&#8221; McConnell said Tuesday afternoon
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BREAKING: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell calls it a &quot;mistake&quot; for Tucker Carlson and Fox News to release the never-before-seen J6 footage. <a href="https://t.co/8d2c75Z3eK">pic.twitter.com/8d2c75Z3eK</a>
&mdash; Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11/status/1633193079573454848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Fox News Host Tucker Carlson responded to his Democratic and Republican critics Tuesday evening:
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Tucker Carlson Responds To Senator Chuck Schumer Calling For Fox News To Censor His Show <a href="https://t.co/Bd6UcH9vb3">pic.twitter.com/Bd6UcH9vb3</a>
&mdash; Antonio Sabato Jr (@AntonioSabatoJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/AntonioSabatoJr/status/1633422442956767232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“All sharing the same outrage, and from this, we learn two things,&#8221; he said. &#8220;One: You&#8217;re getting close to what they really care about, and you have to ask yourself why? Why is it so important that they would degrade themselves by telling such obvious lies and calling for censorship? Why? What are they trying to protect? That might be worth exploring, and we plan to, and the second thing that we learned from this is that they&#8217;re on the same side. The Senate majority leader joins the Senate Minority leader — Thom Tillis, Mitt Romney. They&#8217;re all on the same side. So, it&#8217;s actually not about left and right. It&#8217;s not about Republicans and Democrats.&#8221;
Novak Djokovic Denied Entry Into America
In the world of sports, we have the latest regarding the saga of one the world’s best Tennis Players, Novak Djokovic. Crain and Company co-host David Cone reported:
<blockquote>&#8220;Djokovic has once again been denied entry into the U.S. due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The number one player in the world requested a medical waiver to participate in the Miami Open and the Indian Wells Masters, but was turned away by Homeland Security. 
This comes after Djokovic was forced to miss the US and Australian Opens last year, two of the four major tennis tournaments. Moderna, one of the largest vaccine makers, is one of the official sponsors of the US Open.&#8221;</blockquote>
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DOJ Accuses Louisville Police Of Violating Civil Rights
The Department of Justice <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/doj-accuses-louisville-police-of-civil-rights-violations-discrimination-after-breonna-taylor-investigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> its findings in its civil rights investigation into the Louisville Police Department following the death of Breonna Taylor in 2020. The Daily Wire’s Tim Pearce joined Afternoon Update to walk us through that report:
<blockquote>The DOJ investigated Louisville Metro Police for two years, and now alleges that the city’s officers regularly, quote, “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and Federal Law.” Those findings claim that LMPD uses excessive force, relies on invalid search warrants, discriminates against black people, and unlawfully stops, detains, and arrests individuals during routine traffic and street stops. The DOJ report also claims that &#8216;Some officers have videotaped themselves throwing drinks at pedestrians from their cars; insulted people with disabilities; and called Black people &#8216;monkeys,&#8217; &#8216;animal,&#8217; and &#8216;boy.&#8221; 
The DOJ also announced that it will be reviewing Memphis, TN police department&#8217;s use of force and de-escalation policies in wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols.&#8221;</blockquote>
To listen to the audio version of this podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/morning-wire/id1576594336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>. And for more in-depth discussion of the biggest stories of the day, listen to the latest full episode of Morning Wire every morning.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 02: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a point during his Men’s Singles Final match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day fourteen of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.  US Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a press conference on the Justice Departments findings of the civil rights investigation into the Louisville Metro Police Department and Louisville Metro Government on March 8, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky. – The investigation stems from the March 13, 2020, killing of Breonna Taylor by police officers serving a no-knock warrant. HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 17: Tucker Carlson during 2022 FOX Nation Patriot Awards at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on November 17, 2022 in Hollywood, Florida.

Wednesday Afternoon Update: So Long, Gigi Sohn, DOJ Accuses Civil Rights Violations, Tennis Star Barred From US Over No-Vax

January 6

Louisville

Merrick Garland

Podcast

Tucker Carlson

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sent a letter to President Joe Biden this week urging the president to allow Novak Djokovic, the world&#8217;s top-ranked tennis player, entry into the United States so that he could compete in a tournament being held in Florida.
Djokovic played through a hamstring injury at the start of the year on his way to winning the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year.
The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/06/sports/tennis/djokovic-biden-miami-open-covid-vaccine.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that his problems began after the injury healed as his team realized that the next two important events were in the U.S., which does not allow unvaccinated foreigners into the country. Djokovic is not vaccinated against COVID. The report noted that some pro-vaccination medical experts have concluded that the restriction is no longer necessary.
Djokovic was <a href="https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/35795350/novak-djokovic-pulls-indian-wells-eve-draw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forced</a> to withdraw from competing in the two tournaments, one of which is being held in Miami.
&#8220;The only thing keeping Novak Djokovic from participating in the Miami Open tennis tournament is President Biden’s misguided and unscientific COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreigner travelers,&#8221; DeSantis wrote on Twitter. &#8220;Mr. President – lift your restrictions and let him compete.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The only thing keeping Novak Djokovic from participating in the Miami Open tennis tournament is President Biden’s misguided and unscientific COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreigner travelers.   Mr. President – lift your restrictions and let him compete. <a href="https://t.co/fFyhNoUV4S">pic.twitter.com/fFyhNoUV4S</a>
&mdash; Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1633233731514245121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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DeSantis&#8217; letter called the Biden administration&#8217;s refusal to allow him into the country &#8220;unfair, unscientific and unacceptable.&#8221;
&#8220;While Mr. Djokovic is surely a supreme competitive threat to his fellow tennis professionals, his presence in our country poses no meaningful health or public safety risk,&#8221; DeSantis said. &#8220;I note that since the onset of COVID-19, Mr. Djokovic has visited the United States at least twice — including once during your presidency — without any apparent health incident.&#8221;
DeSantis then suggested that a loophole could be used to skirt the Biden administration&#8217;s restrictions for keeping unvaccinated foreign nationals out of the U.S.
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&#8220;It is also not clear to me why, even by the terms of your own proclamation, Mr. Djokovic could not legally enter this country via boat,&#8221; DeSantis wrote. &#8220;Please confirm no later than Friday, March 10, 2023, that this method of travel into Florida would be permissible.&#8221;
DeSantis explained in the letter that Biden&#8217;s previous proclamations only issued restrictions on foreign nationals entering the U.S. through air travel and at &#8220;land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders.&#8221;
&#8220;Your administration does not appear to have issued analogous restrictions for non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter our country by boat,&#8221; DeSantis noted.
DeSantis then pointed out how the administration flaunted its own rules to allow &#8220;thousands of unvaccinated migrants to enter our country through the southern border.&#8221;
&#8220;Mr. Djokovic is an extraordinary tennis player who should have every right to compete in this year&#8217;s Miami Open, which will commence on March 20,&#8221; DeSantis concluded. &#8220;I respectfully ask you to grant his requested exemption so that he may delight and inspire tennis fans in Florida and around the Nation.&#8221;

Ronald Reagan Library, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

DeSantis Blasts Biden For Denying Entry To World’s No. 1 Tennis Player, Floats Using Loophole To Get Him In

Florida

Ron DeSantis

Novak Djokovic plays tennis for a living. And the 35-year-old Serbian has won 22 Grand Slam titles, a feat accomplished by only one other player, Rafael Nadal &#8212; so he&#8217;s pretty good.
But the administration of President Joe Biden has forbidden Djokovic from coming to the United States to play, saying that the fact that he refuses to be vaccinated against COVID makes him a deadly risk.
Djokovic has long been reticent to take the vaccine, and at first, it seemed a bit petty. There was a deadly pandemic, and most people felt a sense of society when they bit the bullet and took the jab.
But now, with world-class athletes seemingly dropping dead all around the world, Djokovic&#8217;s recalcitrance appears to have been correct. And besides, his body, his choice. He didn&#8217;t want to put an odd substance into his highly honed athletic body, so he just didn&#8217;t.
He&#8217;s not against vaccines, he said in 2020, but he does oppose forced vaccination. &#8220;The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else,&#8221; he said.
But in late 2021, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) decided he couldn&#8217;t play in the Australian Open, a major that he won the year before. A short time later, Djokovic lost the No. 1 <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-15/novak-djokovic-vaccination-stance-affects-legacy/100831504">ranking</a> that he had held for a record 373 weeks. And due to the U.S. government&#8217;s forced vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens, Djokovic was banned from entering the United States to play in the 2022 U.S. Open, another major tournament he was the favorite to win.
That all seems ages ago now. Most Americans &#8212; and most of the world, too &#8212; have moved on, returning to normal life. The COVID pandemic has greatly waned, and for many who get the virus, it&#8217;s more like the flu nowadays.
Yet with nationwide vaccine mandates still in place for foreign travelers, Djokovic has been forced to pull out of the Indian Wells tournament in California. His request for a waiver to enter the U.S. without a vaccine was rejected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was supposed to play in the Miami Open the following week, but his participation in the tournament is up in the air, too.
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All this while the pandemic is &#8220;over.&#8221; That&#8217;s not us saying that — it was Biden.
Last September, Biden <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-shocks-white-house-by-declaring-pandemic-is-over-while-hundreds-of-americans-die-every-day">declared:</a> &#8220;The pandemic is over. We still have a problem with COVID. We’re still doing a lotta work on it. It’s – but the pandemic is over. if you notice, no one’s wearing masks. Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape. And so I think it’s changing. And I think this is a perfect example of it.”
Florida Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio last week urged the Biden administration to intervene so that Djokovic could get into the country to play. The pair wrote a letter to Biden saying Djokovic poses no danger to the public.
“Mr. Djokovic is a world-class athlete in peak physical condition who is not at high-risk of severe complications from COVID-19,” the duo says in the letter. “It seems both illogical and misaligned with the opinions of your own administration to not grant him the waiver he requests so that he may travel to the U.S. to compete in a professional event.”
“The lack of public health risk, along with the clear benefit of his participation in an event that will be a major driver of our local economies should make the decision before you simple and serve as a precedent for others in his position,” the letter continues, “while hopefully leading to the full reversal of this mandate for other foreign visitors who wish to legally travel to our great nation.”
Djokovic is, of course, a high-profile foreigner. But the U.S. Travel Association says, &#8220;America&#8217;s outdated vaccine policy for international visitors is an unforced error that is contributing to an $80 billion loss in foreign traveler spending.&#8221;
&#8220;Novak Djokovic is merely one of millions of travelers deterred from visiting the United States due to a well-intended but antiquated policy. It is well past time for the United States to join with its peers in Europe, Australia and elsewhere and remove pandemic vaccine requirements for our international guests,&#8221; the association said in a <a href="https://www.ustravel.org/news/us-travel-banning-novak-djokovic-unforced-error-america">statement</a> Monday.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
Joseph Curl has covered politics for 35 years, including 12 years as White House correspondent for a national newspaper. He was also the a.m. editor of the Drudge Report for four years. Send tips to josephcurl@dailywire.com and follow him on Twitter @josephcurl.

TENNIS-GBR-WIMBLEDON

What A Joke? One Of The Greatest Active Tennis Players Is Barred From Playing In U.S. For Not Taking COVID Vaccine

What A Joke? Novak Djokovic, One Of The Greatest Active Tennis Players Is Barred From Playing In U.S. For Not Taking COVID Vaccine

Department of Homeland Security

Politics

This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/podcasts/morning-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Sixth Police Officer Disciplined In Tyre Nichols Beating
Memphis Police say a 6th officer has been disciplined for his involvement in the brutal beating and arrest of Tyre Nichols. The department revealed that officer Preston Hemphill was relieved of duty shortly after the Jan. 7 arrest of Nichols, but Hemphill’s role in Nichols&#8217;s arrest was not disclosed.
Pro-Life Father Acquitted 
Mark Houck, the pro-life <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/mark-houck-catholic-pro-life-activist-facing-11-years-in-prison-acquitted-at-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">father of seven arrested</a> by the Biden administration last September, was facing two counts of violating the FACE act, after shoving a Planned Parenthood escort in 2021. The escort had reportedly harassed his son. The DOJ’s prosecution came after local authorities opted not to charge the Catholic activist. He faced up to 11 years in prison.
Minnesota Votes To Enshrine Abortion Into State Law
Minnesota’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/minnesota-compared-to-north-korea-china-for-extreme-abortion-bill-about-to-pass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Democrat-majority Senate voted</a> to enshrine the right to abortion into state law without limiting the stage of the pregnancy. Senators approved the bill by just a one-vote margin, 34-33. Democratic Governor Tim Walz is expected to sign the measure into law.
Ice Storm Threatens The South
Millions in the South could be left without power by a major ice storm over the coming days, as Americans in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee could face nearly half an inch of ice through Wednesday.
Hero Who Stopped Monterey Park Shooter Honored
This week the city of Alhambra, California, awarded Brandon Tsay — the bystander who disarmed the Monterey Park shooter last weekend— with a medal for courage. Security footage showed the 26-year-old tackled the suspect and wrestled away his firearm after the man had already killed 10 and wounded more earlier in the day.
Utah Bans Sex-Change Surgeries For Minors
Utah banned sex-change surgeries for minors over the weekend after the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/utah-republicans-pass-ban-on-trans-procedures-for-minors-gov-spencer-cox-not-likely-to-veto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GOP-led House</a> fast-tracked a bill outlawing gender procedures and other hormone-altering forms of therapy for those under 18. Republican Governor Spencer Cox signed the new law on Saturday. Here’s one advocate testifying in support of the bill:
Novak Djokovic Wins Australian Open, A Year After Being Banned From Country
The Australian Open wrapped up this weekend with Novak Djokovic reclaiming his title at the top of the tennis world after not being allowed to compete last year.
To listen to the audio version of this podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/morning-wire/id1576594336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>. And for more in-depth discussion of the biggest stories of the day, listen to the latest full episode of Morning Wire every morning.

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Monday Afternoon Update: Pro-Life Father Acquitted After Biden Raid, Utah Bans Sex-Change Surgeries For Minors, Ice Storm Threatens South

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Tennis great <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/novak-djokovic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Novak Djokovic</a> is back in Australia, almost a year after he was dramatically <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/novak-djokovic-loses-visa-appeal-deported-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detained and deported</a> from the country over his vaccination status, rendering him unable to defend his Australian Open title.
Djokovic, who said he had already recovered from the virus, chose not to get <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccinated</a> against <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID</a>, leading to the incident in Australia. He was later barred from competing in the U.S. Open over a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rule related to the vaccine.
“It’s great to be back in Australia,” the 35-year-old said Thursday, <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/12/29/djokovic-says-no-hard-feelings-over-australian-deportation/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&amp;utm_source=message_app">according</a> to the New York Post. “It’s a country where I’ve had tremendous success in my career, particularly in Melbourne. It’s by far my most successful Grand Slam. I’m hoping that everything is going to be positive. Obviously (fan reaction) is not something that I can predict.&#8221;
Djokovic is back in the country ahead of the Australian Open, slated for January 16.
&#8220;I’ll do my best to play good tennis and bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd,&#8221; he said.
“Obviously what happened 12 months ago was not easy for me,&#8221; the athlete continued, &#8220;for my family, team, anybody who is close to me. It’s obviously disappointing to leave the country like that.&#8221;
“You can’t forget those events,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It’s one of these things that stays with you for I guess the rest of your life. It’s something that I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again. But it is a valuable life experience for me and something that as I said will stay there, but I have to move on.”
Back in February, the three-time U.S. Open champion <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60354068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the BBC he was willing to sacrifice championships for these beliefs.
“That is the price that I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic said about potentially missed tournaments over the vaccine requirement. “Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”
“I was never against vaccination,” he continued, “but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”
Djokovic earlier in the year noted that he had already recovered from the virus. “I had COVID twice, I had COVID in June 2020 and I had COVID recently in — I was tested positive — PCR — 16th of December 2021,&#8221; he said.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/one-of-the-fittest-people-on-the-planet-journo-blasts-u-s-for-barring-novak-djokovic-from-open">‘One Of The Fittest People On The Planet’: Journo Blasts U.S. For Barring Novak Djokovic From Open</a>

2023 Adelaide International Previews

It ‘Stays With You’: Novak Djokovic Back In Australia After Dramatic Detention, Deportation Over Vaccine

Novak Djokovic Back In Australia After Dramatic Detention, Deportation Over Vax Last Year

Australia

An Australian journalist is coming to the defense of tennis great <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/novak-djokovic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Novak Djokovic</a>, who&#8217;s been barred from competing in the U.S. Open for refusing to get <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccinated</a> against <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID</a>.
A rule from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bars the Serbian star from entering the U.S. without proof of vaccination.
“It is embarrassing and it defies logic and science,” journalist and sports host Ben Fordham slammed the U.S. rule, Sportskeeda <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-it-embarrassing-defies-logic-science-australian-journalist-ben-fordham-novak-djokovic-s-us-open-absence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
“He is one of the fittest people on the planet,” the journalist said of Djokovic. “He doesn&#8217;t drink, he travels with his own personal doctor and nutritionist.”
Fordham noted that the athlete has already recovered from having COVID, meaning his body has produced antibodies.
“I had COVID twice, I had COVID in June 2020 and I had COVID recently in — I was tested positive — PCR — 16th of December 2021,” Djokovic <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/11/sports/tennis/novak-djokovic-covid-positive-australia.html">said</a> during an interview earlier this year.
Fordham is not the only one to call foul on the effective Djokovic ban; tennis legend <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/john-mcenroe-truth-teller-amanda-prestigiacomo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John McEnroe</a>, for example, called the rule “ridiculous.”
“These politicians are getting in the way too much,” McEnroe <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/john-mcenroe-blasts-politicians-for-vax-mandate-blocking-novak-djokovic-from-u-s-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blasted</a> via ESPN airwaves last month. “They did it in Australia. Let’s let the guy come in and play in the U.S.”
“I mean, come on,” he added.
Djokovic has made it clear that he has no plans to vaccinate against the virus, noting his good health and feelings about medical freedom.
“I’m not vaccinated and I’m not planning to get vaccinated,” he said last month, <a href="https://au.sports.yahoo.com/novak-djokovic-now-faces-lengthy-080925274.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to Yahoo! Sports.
Back in February, the three-time U.S. Open champion <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60354068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the BBC that he’s willing to sacrifice championships for these beliefs.
“That is the price that I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic said about potentially missed tournaments over the vaccine requirement. “Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”
“I was never against vaccination,” the athlete said, “but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”
The tennis star in January was dramatically <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/novak-djokovic-loses-visa-appeal-deported-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detained and deported</a> from Australia over his vaccination status, rendering him unable to defend his Australian Open title.
“It has affected me definitely in the first several months of the year,” Djokovic <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/john-mcenroe-blasts-politicians-for-vax-mandate-blocking-novak-djokovic-from-u-s-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> of the ordeal. “I was not feeling great generally. I mean, mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/with-days-left-for-turnaround-tennis-great-novak-djokovic-still-barred-from-u-s-open-for-refusing-covid-vax">With Days Left For Turnaround, Tennis Great Novak Djokovic Still Barred From US Open For Refusing COVID Vax</a>

Day Nine: The Championships – Wimbledon 2022

‘One Of The Fittest People On The Planet’: Journo Blasts U.S. For Barring Novak Djokovic From Open

Journo Blasts U.S. For Barring Novak Djokovic From Open

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/gina-carano" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gina Carano</a>, incensed that tennis legend <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/novak-djokovic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Novak Djokovic</a> is not playing at the US Open because of travel restrictions due to his refusal to be vaccinated with a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID</a> vaccine, blasted Djokovic’s fellow tennis pros for not supporting him on Thursday.
Djokovic <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/unvaxxed-tennis-great-novak-djokovic-makes-decision-on-u-s-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrew</a> on Thursday because of travel restrictions into the United States imposed because he is not vaccinated.
“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world!” Djokovic tweeted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoleFam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoleFam</a> for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world! 👋🏼
&mdash; Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1562806952136085504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Furious at the absence of Djokovic, Carano fired on Twitter, “If all the tennis players boycotted the @usopen until @DjokerNole was permitted to play it would cause change. The silence of our colleagues, countrymen, media, family &amp; friends is what hurts the most. THIS ALL FALLS APART WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER. When will you have had enough?”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
If all the tennis players boycotted the <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usopen</a> until <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> was permitted to play it would cause change. The silence of our colleagues, countrymen, media, family &amp; friends is what hurts the most. THIS ALL FALLS APART WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER. When will you have had enough?
&mdash; Gina Carano 🕯 (@ginacarano) <a href="https://twitter.com/ginacarano/status/1562843102724755456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Carano ripped the US Open for “virtue signaling,” snapping, “The @usopen should’ve taken a stand by opposing this criminal mandate. But that would be way too much to ask from an organization who only intends on virtue signaling they represent the USA &amp; human rights.. We see clearly what you represent now. Enjoy how you will be remembered.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usopen</a> should’ve taken a stand by opposing this criminal mandate. But that would be way too much to ask from an organization who only intends on virtue signaling they represent the USA &amp; human rights.. We see clearly what you represent now. Enjoy how you will be remembered.
&mdash; Gina Carano 🕯 (@ginacarano) <a href="https://twitter.com/ginacarano/status/1562872808043991040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In July, John McEnroe ripped the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its policy barring Djokovic from entering the U.S. for the US Open. “These politicians are getting in the way too much,” McEnroe <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/john-mcenroe-blasts-politicians-for-vax-mandate-blocking-novak-djokovic-from-u-s-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fulminated</a> on ESPN. “They did it in Australia. Let’s let the guy come in and play in the U.S. I mean, come on. This is ridiculous.”
McEnroe’s brother, Patrick, echoed, “Whatever you think the government should or should not do, it’s a bummer for tennis.”
Djokovic has amassed 21 career Grand Slam victories after having won Wimbledon for the seventh time in July. After his victory he <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/with-days-left-for-turnaround-tennis-great-novak-djokovic-still-barred-from-u-s-open-for-refusing-covid-vax" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stated</a>:
<blockquote>
I&#8217;m not vaccinated and I&#8217;m not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption. &#8230; 
I don&#8217;t know. I don&#8217;t think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don&#8217;t know what exemption would be about. &#8230; Then I&#8217;ll wait hopefully for some good news from USA because I would really love to go there. That would be probably the next big tournament, the next big swing, playing a tournament or two before US Open and US Open. If that doesn&#8217;t happen, then I have to see what the schedule will look like.
</blockquote>
Last February, he told the BBC, “That is the price that I’m willing to pay. Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”
Related: <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/john-mcenroe-blasts-politicians-for-vax-mandate-blocking-novak-djokovic-from-u-s-open/">John McEnroe Blasts Politicians For Vax Mandate Blocking Novak Djokovic From US Open</a>
&nbsp;

Gina Carano

Gina Carano Blasts Tennis Pros For Not Supporting Djokovic At US Open: ‘This All Falls Apart When We Stand Together’

Gina Carano Blasts Tennis Pros For Not Supporting Djokovic

Novak Djokovic, one of the world&#8217;s greatest tennis players, is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/unvaxxed-tennis-great-novak-djokovic-makes-decision-on-u-s-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">barred</a> from entering the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United States</a> because he is unvaccinated against <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID</a>.
He opposes it on religious grounds and is unrelenting in his refusal of the jab. Well, there is a solution for the Serbian father of two; he can join the millions from around the world and illegally cross the U.S. southern border.
On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">updated</a> its international guidance to say, “Non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: You must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply.”
That was the final nail in the coffin for the 21-time grand slam champion to decide he would be giving up on playing in the tennis tournament because he couldn&#8217;t fly here.
Thursday morning, Djokovic <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/unvaxxed-tennis-great-novak-djokovic-makes-decision-on-u-s-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>, “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support.”
“Good luck to my fellow players!” the 35-year-old added. “I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!”
However, here&#8217;s a little life hack he can use: America has a wide-open southern border and plenty of people willing to help him get to New York City free of charge. All Djokovic has to do is declare asylum, refuse the COVID vaccine, and promise to show up to an asylum hearing sometime in the future.
According to the CDC, “The Presidential Proclamation and CDC’s Amended Order have no effect on several non-U.S. citizens.” That <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#:~:text=No%2C%20if%20you%20are%20not,flight%20to%20the%20United%20States." target="_blank" rel="noopener">includes</a> “Non-U.S. citizens eligible for asylum; Non-U.S. citizens eligible for withholding of removal.”
Once at the border, he will be released and can take a bus up to New York City, paid for by the taxpayers of the Texas government. Rest assured, New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) will <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-york-city-exempts-some-illegal-aliens-from-school-vaccine-requirements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">welcome him with open arms</a> to ensure The Big Apple maintains its reputation as a sterling sanctuary city.
Or he can join the 500,000 known &#8220;got aways&#8221; — individuals who were never even touched by the U.S. border authorities. He just would have to find the portion of the border that doesn&#8217;t have the wall.
The Biden administration has already admitted they aren&#8217;t too concerned with non-violent illegal aliens, so he has nothing to worry about.
Last spring, the Biden administration <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-immigration-enforcement-targets-more-serious-offenders-overall-arrests-2022-03-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a>, “ICE&#8217;s officers and special agents focused on cases that delivered the greatest law enforcement impact in communities across the country while upholding our values as a nation.”
In other words, Biden only wants to target those he deems “threats” to the American community.
The devout Christian isn&#8217;t much of a threat to anybody, except on the tennis court.
If it means winning the US Open, perhaps sneaking across the border is worth a shot for Djokovic.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Novak Djokovic of

A Little Life Hack For Novak: Illegally Immigrate So You Can Play In The US Open

Illegal Immigration

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