The world number one won't play in the upcoming Masters 1000 tournament after his exemption application was denied. Novak Djokovic has missed several tournaments over the last 14 months due to his vaccine stance, including last year's Australian and US Opens, as well as the 2022 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this week's Indian Wells Masters tournament with the Serb unable to enter the United States due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner had applied for an exemption to enter the United States but that application was turned down by the authorities.
He will now miss the upcoming Masters 1000 tournament in California and is almost certain to be unable to compete at the Miami Open, due to get underway on 19 March.
Djokovic has missed several tournaments over the last 14 months due to his vaccine status, including the Australian Open and US Open last year, though it is expected he will play at this year's major in New York with the United States set to change its entry requirements in the coming weeks.
Hopes extinguished
"World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field," tournament organisers posted on Twitter.
Last month, Djokovic said he hoped for "a positive decision soon" but admitted "it's not in my hands." Those hopes have now been extinguished.
In January 2022, not only was Djokovic unable to play at the Australian Open, but he was also deported and given a three-year ban from entering the country after having his visa revoked. That ban was later overturned, enabling him to return to Melbourne this year and win his record-equalling 22 Grand Slam.
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