Djokovic out of Indian Wells and Miami Open

The Serbian is unable to enter the USA due to his vaccination status.

World No. 2 tennis player Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will not be participating in the upcoming Indian Wells and Miami ATP Masters 1000 tournament later this month. The Serb is barred from entering the United States, where both the tournaments will be held, due to his unvaccinated status. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that persons unvaccinated against COVID-19 cannot enter the States unless specified otherwise.

Djokovic released a statement updating that he would not be competing in the United States, which read:

“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.

“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.”

It is not known why the Serbian remained on the Indian Wells entry list and was even placed into the main draw despite the fact that it was clear that he would not be able to compete in the tournament.

The year just keeps getting worse for the former World No. 1. Djokovic was earlier deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open and was dragged into a lengthy legal battle regarding the same. To make matters worse, Djokovic’s inability to defend the Australian Open not only handed his rival Rafael Nadal a record 21st Grand Slam title but also saw Daniil Medvedev jump the Serb to take the World No.1 ranking. 

Djokovic not participating at the Indian Wells means that Grigor Dimitrov will replace him in the main draw, while a lucky loser will take Dimitrov’s place in the draw once qualifying is completed. 

Djokovic last competed at the Dubai Open where he lost to Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals. He will next be seen in action most likely at the Monte Carlo Masters in April. Based in France, the French COVID passport system doesn’t require a compulsory vaccination status to enter the country, which means Djokovic is likely to take part in the French Open as well later this year in May.