INDIAN WELLS, California. No. 1 Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the upcoming BNP Paribas Open after losing his application to enter the United States without vaccinations to play in the Southern California tournament.
The tournament announced its release on Sunday evening. Play in the ATP-WTA Combined Tournament will begin on Wednesday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and run through March 19.
Sen. Rick Scott, D-Fl., tweeted that the Department of Homeland Security denied Djokovic’s request for a vaccine waiver that would have allowed him to play back-to-back in Indian Wells and Miami, which will run from March 19 to April 2.
On May 11, the United States will end its COVID-19 emergency declaration, allowing foreign air travelers to enter the country without being vaccinated.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost on Friday in the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
With the departure of Djokovic, Nikoloz Basilashvili ended in a draw in Indian Wells.
Novak Djokovic pulls out after failing to play in Indian Wells originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Source: sports.yahoo.com
