Novak Djokovic officially withdraws from the 2023 Indiana Wells.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the PNB Paribas Open (Indiana Wells) following the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant his Covid-19 vaccine waiver request.
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Last month, the 22 Grand Slam winner had submitted all necessary documentation requesting to enter the United States and play at the Indiana Wells and Miami Open, his brother Djordje Djokovic told Serbian news agency Tanjug.
"Unfortunately, it is something that is out of our hands," Djordje told Tanjug.
"Novak needs to get a special permission to enter, considering that the USA still doesn't let unvaccinated foreigners into the country, which is unbelievable, considering that we have seen big sporting manifestations with unvaccinated athletes throughout the world," he added.
This request was later denied by the DHS, although a US Florida Senator Rick Scott has also written to the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, requesting he waived the current vaccine mandate for international travelers entering the country from the Serbian star player. However, President Biden is yet to respond.
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With uncertainties on if he would be cleared or not and the tournament starting today, Djokovic has now officially withdrawn, making room for Nikoloz Basilashvili.
The five-time champion of the Indiana Wells is now the first and only world No. 1 to not be part of the men's tournament since its inception in 1991 - It has happened twice to him in 2021 and 2023.
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