INDIAN WELLS: World number two Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the tournament announced on Wednesday.
The Serb has refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine and previously said he was unsure if he would be allowed to enter the United States for the Masters 1000 tournament in the Southern California desert.
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
Djokovic missed the Australian Open in January when his visa was revoked due to a vaccine dispute.
In a recent BBC interview, he stated that he is willing to skip future major events.
“I’m trying to be as in sync with my body as I can.”
By missing the Australian Open, Djokovic lost his 21st Grand Slam championship to eventual victor Rafael Nadal.
In February 2022, Djokovic lost to Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals in Dubai.
In September, he won his first major win at the US Open and is the top seed at Indian Wells.
