Novak Djokovic's lack of proof of vaccination cost the tennis pro last year his participation in several major tournaments. The rule still applies in the USA that you are not allowed to enter the country if you are not vaccinated. Accordingly, the Serb will not take part in the Masters tournament in Indian Wells.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against the corona virus, has been refused entry to the USA, as a result the world number one has canceled his participation in the ATP Masters in Indian Wells. If no short-term exemption is granted for the Serb, he will probably not be able to open in Miami from March 22nd. Until May 11, the rule in the USA that foreigners need proof of vaccination if they arrive by plane is still in force. Djokovic's cancellation was confirmed by the organizers of the Indian Wells tournament.
The topic had been hotly debated until recently. The US tennis association USTA and the organizers of the US Open had pledged their support to Djokovic in his efforts to enter the country. Florida Senator Rick Scott called on US President Joe Biden after Homeland Security's decision against an exception for Djokovic. He had to step in and let Djokovic into the country, Scott wrote on Twitter and published a letter dated March 3 addressed to the White House.
Djokovic had already missed the two tournaments last year because he still refused a corona vaccination. Djokovic also missed the Australian Open in 2022 because of the controversial issue. After he had already entered the country, he was turned away, and several months later he was only allowed to watch the US Open. This year, the 35-year-old celebrated his 22nd Grand Slam triumph on his return to Melbourne, drawing level with record holder Rafael Nadal (Spain).
On the sidelines of the tournament in Dubai, where Djokovic failed in the semifinals on Friday to Daniil Medvedev, he said he hoped to get permission from the US authorities soon. This was denied, Djokovic is replaced in the main draw by Nikolos Bassilashvili from Georgia.
