Indian Wells Masters: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic Pulls Out Amid Visa Row | Tennis Information

The 22-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, as reported by Skysports. The organisers confirmed on Sunday in a sign that the world primary’s utility for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter the US might need failed.

A press release from Indian Wells organisers launched on Sunday learn, “World No 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. Along with his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili strikes into the sector.”Djokovic, who’s unvaccinated in opposition to Covid-19, appealed to the US authorities in February for a particular exception to be granted in order that he might compete on this week`s match in Indian Wells and the next one in Miami.

The USA now forbids the entry of unvaccinated international nationals; consequently, Djokovic was unable to attend the US Open in New York final 12 months. (Watch: MC Stan Raps In Sania Mirza’s Farewell Match In Hyderabad, Video Goes Viral)

It could be “disgraceful,” in keeping with Tommy Haas, director of the Indian Wells match if Djokovic had been denied entry this 12 months. 5 occasions prior to now, Djokovic has triumphed at Indian Wells, most not too long ago in 2016.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has been denied entry into the U.S. over vaccine standing.

This isn’t about COVID.

It’s about management and making a degree by the federal authorities.

In a world filled with sheep, be a Novak Djokovic. pic.twitter.com/0u0VPfCLSf
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 6, 2023

The Serb, who additionally skipped the Australian Open in 2022 due to his immunization standing, has stated he would skip Grand Slams quite than have a Covid vaccine.

The present world #1 equalled Rafael Nadal’s grand slam singles title file of twenty-two majors by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas within the last of the Australian Open 2023 in January. He can now surpass Nadal on the French Open later this 12 months. Nadal is at present recovering from harm and he’ll look to defend his title when he comes again to full health.

The 35-year-old is now scheduled to return to motion on clay on the Monte-Carlo Masters in April after struggling his first defeat of the 12 months when he misplaced to Daniil Medvedev within the semi-finals in Dubai final week.