The fact that Novak Djokovic withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells suggests that his request for a Covid-19 vaccination waiver to enter the United States was denied.
Djokovic, who lacks the necessary the Covid-19 vaccine, sought to the US authorities in February for a special exemption to compete in this week’s tournament in Indian Wells and the subsequent one in Miami.
Organisers of Indian Wells issued the following statement on Sunday: “The 2023 BNP Paribas Open no longer features the No. 1 player in the world, Novak Djokovic.”
Since the USA forbids entry of unvaccinated foreigners, Djokovic was unable to attend the US Open in New York last year.
But nevertheless restrictions won’t be lifted until at least April.
With his 377th week at the top of the rankings, Novak Djokovic has now matched Steffi Graf’s record for the most weeks spent at the top.
In addition, he discusses his desire to compete in two ATP Masters 1000 competitions despite being unimmunized.
It would be “disgraceful,” if Djokovic were denied entry this year, according to Tommy Haas, director of the Indian Wells tournament.
“Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen,” read a tweet from the US Open account on Friday.
Five times in the past, Djokovic has triumphed at Indian Wells, most recently in 2016.
“The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak’s appeal to enter the nation is successful and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami,” said the USTA.
The Serb, who also skipped the Australian Open in 2017 because of his immunization status, has declared he would forego Grand Slams in favor of the Covid vaccine.
At the 2023 Australian Open in January, Djokovic won his 22nd Grand Slam championship by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final in straight sets.
The 35-year-old is now scheduled to return to action on clay at the Monte-Carlo Masters in April after suffering his first defeat of the year when he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals in Dubai last week.
