Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells after failing to meet US vaccination regulations

Novak Djokovic has been denied entry into the US leaving him with no choice but to withdraw from Indian Wells and all future US tournaments.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during his quarter-final match with Czech Republic's Jiri Vesely at the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, in the Gulf emirate on February 24, 2022. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP)

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday confirmed his withdrawal from this month’s ATP Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami due to US government Covid-19 travel regulations.

Djokovic, who is not vaccinated, said on Twitter that rules requiring non-US citizens to be vaccinated before entering the United States had forced his withdrawal.

Novak Djokovic will not participate in Indian Wells. Picture: AFP

“I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel,” Djokovic wrote. “The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments.”

More to come.

Fresh Djokovic saga as star ‘bids for exemption’

Novak Djokovic was entered into the draw for this week’s ATP/WTA Indian Wells tournament but it is unclear whether he will take part in the tournament, organisers said.

A brief statement from tournament organisers said officials were in contact with Djokovic’s team to determine whether he would play in California or even be allowed to enter the United States because he has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

“Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today,” tournament chiefs said.

“We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC approval to enter the country.”

Indian Wells Men’s singles draw pic.twitter.com/AwwsyzK07J

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 9, 2022

Djokovic is a five-time champion at Indian Wells, where organisers have said proof of full vaccination will be required for spectator entry into the grounds for the tournament in the California desert.

He was included in the draw and given a first round BYE.

Under US government regulations, all non-US citizen travellers entering the United States must be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic was barred from the Australian Open in January after officials said he did not meet requirements for unvaccinated travellers trying to enter the nation.

Djokovic’s visa was eventually cancelled and, after a legal appeal failed, he departed without playing.

What a clusterfuck.https://t.co/ERwqZPyDx2

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) March 8, 2022

Originally published as Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells after failing to meet US vaccination regulations