Novak Djokovic will officially miss Indian Wells. The world No. 2 announced he won't be able to compete in the California-based tournament, which begins Thursday, and the upcoming Miami Open because of the United States' vaccination requirements.
In the U.S., anyone entering the country who is not a citizen must be vaccinated against COVID-19, or they are not permitted to enter. Under those protocols, Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, will not be let into the U.S. to compete in Indian Wells.
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
As of Wednesday afternoon, however, Djokovic was on the tournament entry list. The tournament released a statement on Tuesday, saying:
"Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today. We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC approval to enter the country. We will provide updates in the future as we learn more."
The determination didn't go Djokovic's way.
Djokovic already missed opportunities at one tournament when he was deported from Australia before the Australian Open due to his vaccination status. The tennis star is currently one behind tying the record for most grand slam men's titles. Djokovic has 20 while Rafael Nadal has 21.
