Organisers of the ATP/WTA Indian Wells Masters event have confirmed that world number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s tournament.
This comes after the Serb was barred from entering the United States due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19.
Djokovic had petitioned US authorities for special permission to enter, but this was denied as the country still does not allow unvaccinated international travellers to enter.
The Indian Wells tournament begins next week in California and is followed by the prestigious event in Miami, which Djokovic is also expected to miss unless there is a change of heart from US authorities.
Djokovic’s vaccination status has caused him travel restrictions in the past, including being deported from Australia shortly before the 2022 Australian Open and missing the US Open last year. He recently won the 2023 Australian Open and took his match win streak to 20 in Dubai last week before falling to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.
The Serb will be replaced in the Indian Wells field by Nikoloz Basilashvili. Despite Djokovic’s absence, both the US Tennis Association and US Open organisers have voiced support for his request to be allowed to enter the United States, with the US Open stating that they hope “the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.
