USATSI
Novak Djokovic pulled out of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Sunday evening, event officers introduced simply hours earlier than the event draw.
“World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili strikes into the sphere,” event organizers mentioned in an announcement.
While a proper purpose was not defined in that assertion, Djokovic, who’s presently unvaccinated towards COVID-19, utilized just lately for particular permission from the United States authorities to play on the ATP Masters upcoming occasions at each Indiana Wells and Miami. His choice to drag out of Indian Wells signifies that the applying was denied by the U.S. authorities, in accordance with the Associated Press.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., wrote as a lot on Twitter, claiming that Homeland Security had rejected Djokovic’s COVID-19.
Djokovic hasn’t competed within the ATP occasions at Indian Wells and Miami since 2019 because of being unvaccinated towards COVID-19. On May 11, the United States is ending its COVID-19 emergency declaration, which is able to enable worldwide residents to enter the nation — even when they are not vaccinated towards the virus.
Djokovic presently has 22 Grand Slam titles and is coming off of successful the 2023 Australian Open, the place he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas within the last.
