Novak Djokovic, the World number one tennis player has withdrawn from next week’s ATP/WTA Indian Wells Masters event, organizers confirmed on Sunday with the Serb banned from entering the country. Djokovic is unable to enter the United States because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19, but he had petitioned US management for special approval to enter the United States.
The Indian Wells ATP 1000 event starts next week in the California desert and is followed by the prestigious tournament in Miami which Djokovic is now expected to miss unless US authorities would change their mind.
The United States still doesn’t allow unvaccinated international travelers to enter the country, with the Transportation Security Administration recently suggesting the guideline would not reverse until at least mid-April. Djokovic’s vaccination status saw him deported from Australia shortly before the 2022 Australian Open. After winning Wimbledon he also missed the US Open last year because of the travel restriction.
He returned to Australia in January, winning the 2023 Australian Open for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title. He took his match win streak to 20 in Dubai last week before failing on Friday to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.
Djokovic will be replaced in the field by Nikoloz Basilashvili, a brief statement said. On Friday, both the US Tennis Association and US Open organizers expressed support for Djokovic’s request to be permitted to enter the United States.
Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.”
the US Open wrote on its official Twitter
