Novak Djokovic is a five-time champion at Indian Wells, where he hasn’t played since 2019. World no.2, Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2022 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Due to his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine, the Serb had to pull out. Nole had been automatically listed in the draw for the tournament. However, he knew it was unlikely that he would be able to gain entry into the United States.
Djokovic has had no issues being allowed to play in Dubai. Previously, he has said he will not be able to play at Indian Wells, because of strict vaccine laws in the United States.
He had said, “As of today, I cannot because I cannot enter the United States. As of today, I’m not able to play (Indian Wells). But let’s see what happens. Maybe things change in the next few weeks.”
Novak Djokovic confirms withdrawal from the Indian Wells and the Miami Open
Despite initially being in the draw at the BNP Paribas Open, and publicly stating his desire to play, Novak Djokovic will not be competing there or at the Miami Open. Current Center for Disease Control (CDC), regulations require non-U.S. citizens to be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane.
Djokovic tweeted that he will not be playing in Indian Wells or in Miami. He wrote, “While I was automatically listed in the @bnpparibasopen and @miamiopen draw, I knew, given the entry requirements to the US, it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel there.”
“But as international COVID regulations are always being amended, I wanted to wait and see if anything would change. The CDC confirmed today that regulations are not changing which means I will not be playing in the US.”
The BNP Paribas Open released a statement as well, saying, “Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open. As the next player in line to be seeded, Grigor Dimitrov will move into Djokovic’s space in the draw, and a Lucky Loser from qualifying will move into Dimitrov’s space in the draw once qualifying is complete.”