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IMAGE: Novak Djokovic has not competed on the back-to-back ATP Masters occasions in Indian Wells and Miami, two of the largest tournaments on the ATP calendar and often called the “Sunshine Double”, since 2019. {Photograph}: Francois Nel/Getty Photos
Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the draw for the Indian Wells event, organisers mentioned on Sunday in a sign that the world primary’s utility for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter the US might need failed.
The Serbian, who is among the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated in opposition to the virus, utilized to the US authorities final month for particular permission to play at ATP Masters occasions at Indian Wells and Miami.
“World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. Along with his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili strikes into the sphere,” organisers mentioned in a press release late on Sunday.
The US presently bars unvaccinated foreigners from entry into the nation, a coverage that’s anticipated to be lifted when the federal government ends its COVID-19 emergency declarations on Could 11.
Djokovic has not competed on the back-to-back ATP Masters occasions in Indian Wells and Miami, two of the largest tournaments on the ATP calendar and often called the “Sunshine Double”, since 2019.
Nobody from Djokovic’s workforce was instantly out there to touch upon the withdrawal.
Final Friday, Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden urging him to grant the waiver request.
Indian Wells event director Tommy Haas, the USA Tennis Affiliation and the US Open have been amongst these additionally hoping the 22-time Grand Slam champion can be allowed to enter.
He would have been a heavy favourite to win his sixth Indian Wells title when the event kicks off within the Southern California desert on Wednesday.
Djokovic, who missed final 12 months’s Australian Open on account of his vaccination standing and was not allowed into the USA for final 12 months’s US Open, has mentioned he would skip Grand Slams slightly than have a COVID shot.
He gained his record-tying 22th main championships on the Australian Open in January.
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