Novak Djokovic has been named in the Indian Wells entry list amid concerns over his Covid-19 vaccination status. The US is set to lift Covid-19 restrictions on May 11, but the main draw will begin on March 9.
New Delhi ,UPDATED: Feb 9, 2023 23:52 IST
Novak Djokovic is not vaccinated against Covid-19. (Photo: Reuters)
By India Today Web Desk: World number one Novak Djokovic has been named in the entry list of the Indian Wells despite concerns over his Covid-19 vaccination status.
The Serbian is not vaccinated against Covid-19 and could be forced to miss out the tournament. While the main draw of Indian Wells begins on March 9, the US is set to lift the Covid-19 restrictions on March 11.
The US President Joe Biden’s administration last month had said that it would modify the Covid-19 restrictions which were imposed nearly three years ago to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Djokovic is a five-time champion at Indian Wells but has not been able to play in the Southern California desert since 2019. The tournament director Tommy Haas recently said that it would be a “disgrace” if the Serbian was not allowed to compete at the Indian Wells and other tournaments in the US.
Djokovic was deported from Australia on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open as he was not vaccinated against Covid-19. He, however, got the entry this year and won his record-extending 10th title in Melbourne and equalled with Rafael Nadal in the number of Grand Slam men’s singles titles (22).
The Serbian had previously stated that he would miss major tournaments instead of getting vaccinated against Covid-19. If Djokovic misses out on playing at Indian Wells 2023, there is still plenty of talent to look forward to.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who got injured at the 2023 Australian Open, world number two Carlos Alcaraz and the Indian Wells defending champion Taylor Fritz are among the entry list.
World number one and women’s defending champion Iga Swiatek, 2023 Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, American favourites Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff will also be in action at Indian Wells.
