By Victor Kanayo
Serial Grand Slam winner and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, has now pulled out of 2023 Indian Wells tournament, after his application for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter United States of America failed.
This was disclosed by the tournament’s organisers via their Twitter handle.
The tweet reads, “Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen.
“The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.”
The 22-time grand slam winner, wanted to play the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which starts on Monday, and the Miami Open.
The Serbian, who is one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against the virus, applied to the U.S. government last month for special permission to play at ATP Masters events at Indian Wells and Miami.
Current restrictions are due to end in April, which means Djokovic will be free to play in this summer’s US Open.
Djokovic’s bid to enter the US early, had even been backed by the US Open and the United States Tennis Association, who had implored the government to make an exception for the tennis great.
Djokovic’s vaccination status forced him to miss both the Australian Open and US Open in 2022.
Even after he gained entry into Australia, he later deported from the country.
The Australian government was subsequently slammed a three-year ban on the tennis star.
However, the ban was later reviewed and he competed during 2023 Australian Open, where he went ahead to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final to lift his 22nd grand slam.
