Novak Djokovic pulls out of Indian Wells on eve of draw

Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the draw for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, match officers stated Sunday, a sign that the world No. 1’s utility for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter the U.S. might need failed.

Djokovic, who’s from Serbia and unvaccinated in opposition to COVID-19, utilized to the U.S. authorities final month for particular permission to play on the ATP Masters occasions at Indian Wells and Miami.

“World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. Together with his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili strikes into the sector,” match organizers stated in a press release.

Play within the mixed ATP-WTA occasion begins Wednesday at Indian Wells Tennis Backyard and runs by means of March 19. The draw is Monday.

On Friday, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., wrote on Twitter that Homeland Safety had rejected Djokovic’s vaccine waiver request. Scott and fellow Florida Senator Marco Rubio wrote a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden urging him to grant the request.

The U.S. is ending its COVID-19 emergency declaration on Could 11, which is able to enable international air vacationers to enter the nation with out being vaccinated.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion misplaced within the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Friday. He has not competed within the back-to-back occasions in Indian Wells and Miami, two of the most important tournaments on the ATP calendar, since 2019.

Data from The Related Press and Reuters was included on this report.