Novak Djokovic pulls OUT of Indian Wells and Miami Open due to US Covid rules

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open after US officials refused to change their regulations for the unvaccinated Serbian star.

The world no 2 was a surprise inclusion in the draw for Indian Wells this week despite not receiving a jab against Covid-19 – a requirement for entry into the United States – as well as mandatory for players in the tournament. 

Djokovic’s refusal to be jabbed had already seen him kicked out of the Australian Open earlier this year and now he has pulled out of the two competitions after realising he would not receive an exemption.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘While I was automatically listed in the @bnpparibasopen and @miamiopen draw, I knew, given the entry requirements to the US, it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel there.

‘But as international COVID regulations are always being amended, I wanted to wait and see if anything would change.

‘The CDC confirmed today that regulations are not changing which means I will not be playing in the US.

‘I know my fans are looking forward to seeing me play again and I hope to be back playing for them on the tour soon. Good luck to everyone who is playing in the US in these great tournaments.’

Djokovic, who claims he is not an anti-vaxxer but wants freedom over what he puts in his body had previously insisted he would rather miss tournaments than be forced to take the jabs.

It came after fears from tournament and ATP chiefs that Djokovic would try to force the issue and find a last-minute way to enter the United States, despite unvaccinated people facing major barriers.

With the row over Alex Zverev’s non-suspension and questions over allowing Russians to play on, it has added to an extremely awkward week for the sport.

The 34-year-old Serb is still hoping to find a last-minute way to enter the United States

In Dubai two weeks ago, Djokovic appeared resigned to the fact that he could not travel to America, while seeming adamant that he will not take the jab required to ensure his passage.

Yet his name remained in the draw, with event staff struggling to find out his intentions. With a first-round bye, he still has until the weekend to turn up and take his place. 

US entry rules have the odd loophole for unvaccinated travellers, on ‘national interest’ and emergency grounds, but all require an exemption due to exceptional circumstances. It had been another dreadful look for the game after the Australian Open debacle, with a growing impression that top players are a law unto themselves.

One by-product of the latest Djokovic episode could be a reshuffled draw affecting other players, which will further annoy his peers.

The wider image of the game is already being buffeted by the decision to allow Russians to compete, despite the war in Ukraine. At present they can play without any emblems attached and Andy Murray conceded it was a ‘really difficult question’ about whether that policy should hold.

‘I would say the general feeling is that the individual athletes haven’t done anything wrong,’ he told the BBC.

The Serbian has refused to get vaccinated and stated he is willing to miss tournaments

Should the war continue into the summer, the likes of Wimbledon and the French Open will have their judgment tested.

Three British women have come through qualifying in California, with Heather Watson, Harriet Dart and Katie Boulter joining Emma Raducanu if she is fit. 

Cam Norrie is the defending men’s champion after winning the event in October.

Djokovic was sent home from Australia after being held in a Melbourne hotel for 11 days