Indian Wells 2022: Djokovic withdraws – World No.2 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from two United States events, cancelling his participation from the Indian Wells Masters Main draw and the Miami Open. Djokovic was named as participant for both events, but always knew he’d be ‘unlikely to travel’ for both events due to US’ health guidelines. The 20-time Grand Slam champion in not vaccinated against COVID-19, which saw him being deported from Australia earlier this year on the eve of the Australian Open. Follow Insidesport.in for all Indian Wells LIVE updates.
Indian Wells 2022: After Australian Open saga, Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells, Miami Open due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open later this month due to travel restrictions in the United States because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. Djokovic stated that regulations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the reason for his inability to play, with the US requiring foreign nationals to show proof of vaccination to enter the country.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Novak Djokovic confirmed the same and listed out his reasons. He wrote, “While I was automatically listed in the [BNP Paribas Open] and [the Miami Open], 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.”
Djokovic, who was displaced as World No.1 by Medvedev earlier this year, added, “As international COVID regulations are always being amended, I wanted to wait and see if anything would change. The CDC confirmed today that regulations are not changing which means I will be not be playing in the US. I know my fans are looking forward to seeing me play again and I hope to be back playing for them on the tour soon.”
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
Indian Wells 2022: After Australian Open saga, Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells, Miami Open due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
The main draw of the Indian Wells Masters begins on Thursday and Djokovic is part of the draw, but the tournament organisers and revealed that they were unsure of his ability to participate. Grigor Dimitrov, the world No. 35, will now move into Djokovic’s spot in the draw, and a lucky loser from qualifying will take Dimitrov’s original slot.
Novak Djokovic has had quite a pitfall due to his anti-vaccination stance. The Serbian ace was earlier deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open, having entered the country on a medical exemption. His VISA was ultimately revoked by the government following a trial.
Djokovic at the time said that he was ready to skip Grand Slams if a vaccinate was mandated. “Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” he told the BBC in February. He has since then been dislodged from the World No.1 rankings by Daniil Medvedev, while Rafael Nadal has leapfrogged him to claim a 21st Grand Slam title. Furthermore, the Serbian has only played one event in 2022, which came last month in Dubai.
However, with restrictions easing in countries following the drop in COVID-19 cases, Djokovic could very well find himself back on the court should the laws be amended accordingly. The European clay-court season, culminating at the French Open, in which he is the defending champion, begins in April and it remains to be seen whether the former World No.1 will make an appearance.
Indian Wells 2022: After Australian Open saga, Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells, Miami Open due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
