BREAKING NEWS: Unvaccinated World No. 1 Novak Djokovic WITHDRAWS from Indian Wells after appearing to lose in his latest attempt to gain a special waiver to enter the US.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the Indian Wells tournament draw, officials said Sunday in an indication that his application for a COVID-19 vaccine exemption to enter the US could have failed.
The Serb, who is one of the highest-profile athletes not vaccinated against the virus, last month applied to the US government for special permission to play at ATP Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.
The current restrictions will end in April, leaving Djokovic free to play at this summer’s US Open, but it appears that he will receive no special treatment as he attempts to enter the United States early.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner wanted to play the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which starts Monday, and the Miami Open. He is currently still scheduled to play in the latter.
Djokovic’s attempt to enter the US early had even been backed by the US Open and the United States Tennis Association, which had implored the government to make an exception for the tennis great.
Novak Djokovic will not play in Indian Wells after withdrawing from the tournament on Sunday
His special waiver offer was endorsed by both the US Open (above) and the USTA
A post from the US Open Tennis Twitter account read: ‘Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen.
“The USTA and the US Open are hopeful that Novak will be successful in his petition to enter the country and that fans will be able to see him back in action in Indian Wells and Miami.”
Djokovic’s vaccination status led to him missing both the Australian Open – and he was deported from the country – and the US Open last year.
Since Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter Australia, he then successfully challenged a three-year ban on applying for a visa and was able to compete at the Australian Open in January, going on to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. .
The Serb has just finished playing in Dubai and was ready to travel to the United States if allowed.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner has missed a large number of major tournaments due to his decision not to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Last week, the 35-year-old told a news conference about Indian Wells and Miami: “I’m waiting for an answer, it’s not up to me.” I’ll know soon.
‘Everything is in progress. I am grateful to the tournament and the communities of Indian Wells and Miami for their public support.
‘They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments. I’m very grateful for that because I really want to be there, I haven’t played there for a couple of years.
“I’m looking forward to a positive decision soon, but it’s out of my hands.”