Desk Report
Publish: 10 Mar 2022, 11:40 am
Novak Djokovic || Photo: Collected
Novak Djokovic on Wednesday confirmed his withdrawal from
this month's ATP Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami due to US
government Covid-19 travel regulations.
Djokovic, who is not vaccinated, said on Twitter that rules
requiring non-US citizens to be vaccinated before entering the United States
had forced his withdrawal.
"I knew it would be unlikely I'd be able to
travel," Serbian star Djokovic wrote.
"The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) 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."
Djokovic's participation at the two prestigious US
tournaments had been shrouded in uncertainty for weeks given the US travel
restrictions.
However the 34-year-old 20-time Grand Slam singles champion
had been named in the men's draw for Indian Wells on Tuesday despite doubts
over his status.
"Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and
therefore is placed into the draw today," tournament chiefs said on
Tuesday.
"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."
Djokovic is a five-time champion at Indian Wells, where
organisers have said proof of full vaccination will be required for spectator
entry to the tournament venue in the California desert.
Djokovic was barred from the Australian Open in January
after officials said he did not meet requirements for unvaccinated travellers
trying to enter the nation.
His visa was eventually canceled and, after a legal appeal
failed, he departed without playing.
Indian Wells organisers said Wednesday that Djokovic's place
in the main draw had been taken by Grigor Dimitrov, with a "lucky
loser" from qualifying taking the Bulgarian's berth.
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