February 10, (THEWILL) – After being included on the entry list for Indian Wells in March, Novak Djokovic’s unwillingness to be vaccinated against Covid-19 appears to be causing him more problems.
Djokovic has not played since competing in the Davis Cup in Madrid in December. He was disallowed entry when he arrived in Australia last month because border officials refused to accept the grounds for the medical exemption that allowed him to compete in the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated.
He was eventually deported following an 11-day court battle that he initially won, before the immigration officials secured a decision to deport the tennis star at an appeal.
As competitors Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Rafael Nadal prepare to compete in California, Djokovic may have a difficult time making it to Indian Wells if he continues to refuse the inoculation.
With a few exceptions, the United States requires non-US citizens to be completely vaccinated against COVID-19 before flying into the nation, thus his participation could be negatively affected. Indian Wells organisers reaffirmed their stance on participants’ vaccination status when announcing the player registration lists.
A statement on the issue read: “With health and safety as the tournament’s top priority, the BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament.
“The guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by their respective governing bodies, the WTA and ATP, as well as any restrictions established by the United States of America in regard to the vaccination status of international travellers entering the country.”
With only a passing reference to the world number one, the statement went on: “A power-packed lineup of ATP top-10 players will join [Rafael] Nadal in looking to put together a breakthrough performance in Tennis Paradise. 2021 US Open champion and 2022 Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev (World No. 2), 2021 Nitto ATP Finals winner Alexander Zverev (World No. 3), and 2021 French Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas (World No. 4) will each be in search of their maiden title in the desert.
“Reigning BNP Paribas Open champion Cameron Norrie (World No. 13) will look to replicate his extraordinary 2021 title run, in which he won his first Masters 1000 crown. World No. 1 and five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic is also on the tournament entry list.”
Since his deportation from Australia, Djokovic has kept a low presence on social media, though he did express his best wishes to the Australian Open finalists at the tournament’s conclusion.
He took to Twitter to congratulate the winners of the men’s and women’s singles competition, tweeting: “There has been some outstanding tennis played at this year’s #AusOpen and the finals were exceptional. Congratulations to @ashbarty for an amazing performance in front of her home crowd and to Danielle Collins for an incredible tournament.
“Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS [Grand Slam]. Amazing achievement. Always an impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena… [Medvedev] gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.
“You put up one hell of a fight today and I know you will have many more Grand Slam wins in your future.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
