Picture Credit: Twitter
Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn his participation in upcoming the Indian Wells tournament. This withdrawal was because the world No 1’s application for a Covid-19 vaccine waiver to enter the US could have failed. Djokovic has been one of the most high-profile athletes who has held his stance of being unvaccinated against the virus.
The reigning Australia Open winner had applied to the US government for special permission to play at ATP Masters events at Indian Wells and Miami last month. The US doesn’t allow unvaccinated foreigners from entering the country, but this policy will be lifted by the government on 11 May when its ends Covid-19 emergency declaration.
The organisers released a statement confirming Djokovic’s withdrawal, they further confirmed the inclusion of Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili in the draw. The statement said, “World No.1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field.”
Check out the tweet here:
Djokovic has not played at the back-to-back ATP Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami, two top tournaments on the ATP calendar which are also called as the “Sunshine Double”, since 2019. Similarly, Djokovic also missed last year’s Australian Open for being vaccinated and was not allowed to enter the US for last year’s US Open
The US Tennis Association and US Open organizers released a statement Supporting Djokovic and pushing for his request to be allowed to enter the United States. "Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen," the US Open stated. "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."
Check out the tweet here:
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