Vaccine-resistant tennis champion Novak Djokovic unable to enter United States, will miss Indian Wells and Miami events

The consequences of Novak Djokovic’s decision not to be vaccinated continue as he misses out on two of the tour’s biggest tournaments.

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he won’t be allowed to play at the prestigious Indian Wells and Miami events in March. Picture: AFP

Vaccine-resistant tennis champion Novak Djokovic has finally revealed he will not be able to compete at two of the tour’s biggest events in another self-inflicted blow.

The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed to Djokovic he would not be able to enter the country or play at the Masters 1000 tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami events in March.

The decision ends another protracted Djokovic drama, albeit nowhere near as dramatic as what he experienced in Australia in January.

The Serbian champion’s refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 cost him playing at the Australian Open, when a court eventually ruled it was fair to be concerned he could inspire anti-vaccine sentiment.

Djokovic subsequently lost his world No.1 ranking to Russia’s Daniil Medvedev after a shock quarter-final defeat to Czech Jiri Vesely at the ATP 500 tournament at Dubai in February.

World No.2 Novak Djokovic is not having the year he would have hoped for. Picture: AFP

That remains the only event he has contested this year, although he held out hope for as long as possible that he would be able to enter Indian Wells and Miami.

Djokovic received criticism for not withdrawing before the qualifying draw, given a player would miss out on the chance to qualify and another, Portugal’s Joao Sousa, would have made the main draw.

“While I was automatically listed in the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open draw, I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel,” Djokovic posted on social media on Thursday morning.

“The CDC 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.”

While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC 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 👊

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 9, 2022

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov will move into Djokovic’s spot at the top of the Indian Wells draw, while a lucky loser from qualifying will assume Dimitrov’s old place.

Djokovic is increasingly likely to be able to defend his French Open title, with France set to relax its vaccination rules inside the next week.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced last week that proof of vaccination would no longer have to be shown to access venues such as sports stadiums and restaurants from March 14.

That means Djokovic could compete at the Roland Garros grand slam in May.

“The situation is improving thanks to our collective efforts,” Castex said at the time.

“The conditions are met for a new phase of easing of measures. From Monday March 14, we will suspend the application of the vaccination pass wherever it applies.”

Originally published as Vaccine-resistant tennis champion Novak Djokovic unable to enter United States, will miss Indian Wells and Miami events