INDIAN WELLS, California. The two biggest names on the BNP Paribas Open men’s roster are unlikely to play in Southern California.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were injured during the Australian Open last month, and Djokovic’s COVID-19 vaccination status is also still an issue for the tournament, which will take place March 6-19 in Indian Wells.
Djokovic, a five-time desert winner, missed last year’s tournament due to his vaccination status. The US is set to cancel its COVID emergency statements on May 11, long after the tournament has ended.
Djokovic won the Australian Open last month, becoming the 22nd major player of his career, despite being plagued by a left hamstring injury. He returned to first place in the world rankings. Nadal injured his hip during a second-round loss at the Australian Open and could be out for up to two months.
Runner-up Carlos Alcaraz, who reached the semi-finals last year, is set to return to Indian Wells after missing the Australian Open with an injury. Also announced are #3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, #4 Kasper Ruud and #5 Andrey Rublev. American Taylor Fritz is back to defend his title.
Also among the men are Felix Auger-Aliassime No. 7, Holger Rune No. 9 and Hubert Gurkacz No. 10. Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray are also in the field.
On the women’s side, No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek is back to defend her last year’s title. She will be joined by Australian Open winner and runner-up Arina Sobolenko.
Also in the field are No. 3 Once Gill, No. 4 Jessica Pegula, No. 5 Caroline Garcia, and No. 6 Coco Gauff.
The remaining places in the draws will be filled by the winners of the qualifying tournament and wild card recipients, whose names will be announced in the coming weeks.
Indian Wells has injured Nadal and Djokovic. originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Source: sports.yahoo.com
