Tennis: Novak Djokovic withdraws from dispute at Indian Wells tournament
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Novak Djokovic formally withdrew from the bracket of the Indian Wells, organizers said last Sunday (5), an indication that the world number one’s request for a covid-19 vaccination exemption to enter the United States may have failed.
The Serbian, who is one of the most prominent athletes not vaccinated against the virus, applied last month to the US Government for special permission to participate in the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.
“World number one Novak Djokovic withdraws from BNP Paribas Open 2023. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili enters the bracket”tournament organizers said in a statement.
The US currently bans unvaccinated foreign nationals from entering the country, a policy that is expected to be lifted when the government ends its COVID-19 emergency declaration on May 11.
Djokovic has not competed in back-to-back ATP Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, two of the biggest tournaments on the ATP schedule and known as the “Sunshine Double”, since 2019.
Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas, the US Tennis Association and the US Open were among those also hoping the 22-time Grand Slam champion could enter the country.
Source: Reuters
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