Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the draw for the Indian Wells event, in a sign that the world No.1s utility for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter the United States may need failed.
The Serbian, who is likely one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated in opposition to the virus, utilized to the US authorities final month for particular permission to play at ATP Masters occasions at Indian Wells and Miami.
“World No.1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field,” organisers mentioned in an announcement late on Sunday.
The US presently bars unvaccinated foreigners from entry into the nation, a coverage that’s anticipated to be lifted when the federal government ends its COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11.
Djokovic has not competed on the back-to-back ATP Masters occasions in Indian Wells and Miami, two of the largest tournaments on the ATP calendar and generally known as the “Sunshine Double”, since 2019.
No one from Djokovic’s staff was instantly out there to touch upon the withdrawal.
Last Friday, Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden urging him to grant the waiver request.
Indian Wells event director Tommy Haas, the United States Tennis Association and the US Open have been amongst these additionally hoping the 22-time grand slam champion can be allowed to enter.
He would have been a heavy favorite to win his sixth Indian Wells title when the event begins within the southern California desert on Wednesday.
Djokovic, who missed final yr’s Australian Open as a result of his vaccination standing and was not allowed into the US for final yr’s Open, has mentioned he would skip grand slams quite than have a COVID shot.
He received his record-tying twenty second main championship on the Australian Open in January.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
