Novak Djokovic denied US entry, pulls out of Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic (Image credit: Twitter)

Novak Djokovic has been denied entry to the United States and reportedly pulled out of the Indian Wells tournament for not being vaccinated against Covid-19. Last month, Djokovic applied to the US government for special permission to play in the ATP Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami. But Homeland Security rejected the player's vaccine waiver request, prompting the World No. 1 in men's singles to withdraw from the tournament.

“World No.1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field,” organisers said in a statement on Sunday.

The Serbian professional tennis player said last week that he had applied for a special permit to enter the North American country to participate in Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

In a press conference after an open practice session last week, Djokovic said: "Everything is currently in the process. I have a big desire to be there. I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (officials) and community for their support publicly and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments."

Florida Senator Rick Scott, who shared the update on Twitter, urged President Joe Biden to intervene and grant a waiver for Djokovic to participate in the country.

🚨 BREAKING: We have been told that @DHSgov just denied @DjokerNole's vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the US next week in CA & in the @MiamiOpen. @JoeBiden must fix this NOW, grant the waiver & allow him to compete here in the states. https://t.co/TSD10yM8u6

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 3, 2023

'The situation frustrates us': Indian Wells tournament director

The US still requires all foreigners to be vaccinated. The policy is expected to be lifted on May 11 when the government ends its Covid-19 emergency declarations. However, the decision to ban one of the greatest players in the history of the game has drawn criticism from all quarters.

Meanwhile, Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas also reacted to the situation, saying, “Novak’s situation is obviously frustrating for us."

Haas told Matt Futterman of the New York Times, “We want the best tennis player in the world to be here. H’s writing me, he wants to be here. So of course, you’re like, OK, let’s try to make this happen. How can we figure this out that’s going to be realistic? But at the end of the day, unfortunately, that’s not in our hands and that’s what’s frustrating.