Mon Mar 6, 2023 – 11:20 am EST
(LifeSiteNews) — Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked men’s tennis player in the world, has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after the United States government presumably denied him special permission to enter the country as an unvaccinated foreigner.
Tournament organizers announced Djokovic’s withdrawal in a Sunday evening tweet, without specifying the cause or offering further comment. The tournament began Monday, March 6, and will run through Sunday, March 19. Djokovic will also not be able to compete at the Miami Open, which lasts from March 19 through April 2.
Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas previously said that it would be a “disgrace” to not have Djokovic in the draw.
Last month the brother of the Serbian tennis star told the media that Djokovic applied for special permission to enter the United States to play in the tournaments. Djokovic himself attested to a “big desire” to compete at Indian Wells and the Miami Open but acknowledged the matter was “not in my hands.”
The U.S. travel ban on foreigners who have not received the experimental COVID shot will remain in effect until at least May 11,
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