According to tournament officials, world number one Novak Djokovic has formally withdrew from the draw for the Indian Wells event, suggesting that his application for a COVID-19 vaccination waiver to enter the United States may have failed. The Serbian, who is one of the most high-profile players to have not had the vaccine, petitioned the United States government last month for a waiver that would let him to compete in the ATP Masters championships in Indian Wells and Miami.
Djokovic, ranked first in the world, will not be competing in the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. “With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili enters the field,” organizers announced in a statement late on Sunday. The United States presently does not allow entrance to any non-citizens who have not been vaccinated against the influenza virus, but this policy is scheduled to change on May 11 when the administration finishes its COVID-19 emergency proclamation. From 2019, Djokovic has not participated in the “Sunshine Double” tournaments held consecutively at the ATP Masters championships in Indian Wells and Miami. It appears that no one from Djokovic’s camp is available to address the situation at this time. Two Florida senators, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, urged US Vice President and Acting President Joseph Biden to approve the waiver on Friday. Many people, including USTA President and CEO Steve Simon and Indian Wells Tournament Director Tommy Haas, hoped the 22-time Grand Slam winner would be permitted to compete.
When the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament begins in the California desert on Wednesday, he would have been a heavy favorite to capture his sixth title. Djokovic, who was barred from entering the United States for the 2022 edition of the US Open after being expelled from the Australian Open for not being vaccinated, has stated that he would rather skip Grand Slams than receive a COVID-19 shot. At this year’s tournament, he was permitted to play and ended up winning the Australian Open.
