By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
World no. 1 male tennis player Novak Djokovic formally withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after his request for a waiver to set foot in the United States wasn’t granted.
Multiple sources already confirmed that Djokovic’s visa application had been unsuccessful as the United States still prohibits the entry of unvaccinated foreigners as part of their COVID-19 protocols.
During the build-up to the major tournament, the Serbian superstar attempted to grab special permission to play in the US despite failing to comply with the vaccination rules.
The Associated Press first broke the news and confirmed that Djokovic was ready to fly to the US and participate in the BNP Paribas Open.
However, vaccination rules in the US will still stand until May 11, the deadline set by the government following their announcement of ending their emergency protocols.
“World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field,” said the tournament organizers.
Last month, the US Transportation Security Administration clarified that a COVID-19 vaccine shot is still a requirement for air travelers flying from other countries wishing to enter the United States.
Despite the other countries’ relaxed COVID-19 rules, the US remained one of the strictest especially with air travelers.
Djokovic is coming off a Grand Slam championship run during the 2023 Australian Open where he swept Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-3, 7-6, 7-6.
Aside from winning another Australian Open trophy, Djokovic also made history after equalizing Rafael Nadal’s record for the most Grand Slam championship titles with 22.
