Novak Djokovic forced to PULL OUT of major event as waiver to enter US is denied
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has withdrawn from Indian Wells after his waiver to enter the United States has been denied.
The Serbian legend had applied for special permission to be allowed into the country as he is not vaccinated.
The US remain tough on laws to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and require all visitors to show proof of a jab until at least April 10.
Djokovic missed last year’s US Open because of his vaccination status and as the ATP Tour heads to America again he faces a battle with the same problem.
The 35-year-old missed the Australian Open in 2022 and after landing in the country, he ended up being deported after being held in isolation.
Djokovic has said he would rather miss vital events than get a vaccine.
Last week, he said he was “hopeful” he would be able to play in this year’s US Open as well as in Indian Wells and the Miami Masters, but this presents him with a major setback.
The decision to deny Djokovic entry has caused much controversy with Indian Wells director Tommy Haas previously saying banning him would be a “disgrace”.
The Indian Wells tournament held in California is one of tennis’ biggest outside the four Grand Slams.
Djokovic has won the trophy five times before.
The event confirmed that he has withdrawn and that Nikoloz Basilashvili has replaced him in the draw.
With 1,000 ranking points on the line, Djokovic is in danger of the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas catching the world No1 ahead of the French Open.
After the ordeal last year Down Under, they relaxed rules this time allowing him to compete.
Djokovic won the first major of the year in style beating, dropping just one set on his route to victory.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.