Top-seed Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Indian Wells, having lost his bid to enter the United States unvaccinated to play in the event.
The tournament announced his withdrawal on Monday morning (AEDT), with play in the combined ATP-WTA event scheduled to begin Wednesday night (AEDT).
US Senator Rick Scott said on Twitter Homeland Security had rejected Djokovic’s vaccine waiver request, which would have allowed him to play back-to-back at Indian Wells and Miami, which starts on March 19.
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The US is ending its COVID-19 emergency declaration on May 11, which will allow foreign air travellers to enter the county without being vaccinated, and allow Djokovic to play in the US Open in Flushing Meadows starting on August 28.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost in the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Friday.
With Djokovic out, Nikoloz Basilashvili moved into the Indian Wells draw.
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