Djokovic pulls out of Indian Wells over Covid-19 vaccine saga

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after he was unable to enter the United States due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

The Serb would have had to rely on US authorities granting him an exception to the country’s entry rules, which requires inbound travelers to demonstrate proof of vaccination.

“World No.1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open,” the tournament, one of the biggest outside the Grand Slams, said on social media without providing a reason.

He will be replaced by Georgian player Nikoloz Basilashvili, the organizers added.

The Indian Wells Open, part of the Masters 1000 series, runs from Monday and until March 19.

His chances of playing at the Miami Open, due to start later this month, are also in doubt.

It will be the third consecutive Indian Wells Open missed by the Serb, not counting the 2020 edition that was canceled due to the pandemic.