Novak Djokovic Pulls Out of Indian Wells and Miami Open After Being Denied an Entry Into United States

The 2022 season is turning out to be a disastrous one for the former World Number 1, Novak Djokovic. After his failure to defend the Australian Open title, there is more bad news in store for Djokovic. He has withdrawn from the ATP Master 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami after being denied entry into the United States owing to his vaccination status.

Novak Djokovic pulls out of the Sunshine Double

The Serb found his name in the Indian Wells draw amid uncertainty over his participation in the tournament. The tournament officials cited that he was on the official entry list, hence included in the draw.

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However, earlier today, Novak Djokovic released a statement on his official Twitter handle. He said, “While I was automatically listed in the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments.”

With Djokovic’s withdrawal from the two Masters 1000 tournaments, it comes as a huge blow for him, especially when he was aiming to regain the top spot from Daniil Medvedev. His absence will further affect his ATP ranking. With the French government relaxing the vaccination mandate effective March 14, the Serb will be hoping to make a comeback at the Monte Carlo Masters next month.

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Indian Wells draw updated following Djokovic’s withdrawal

The men’s singles draw was updated after Djokovic pulled out of the maiden ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season. Grigor Dimitrov moves into a seeded position and will replace Djokovic in the draw. Further, Joao Sousa, who lost the final qualifying round against Christopher Eubanks, gets into the main draw as a lucky loser.

Dimitrov has got a bye in the first round and will take on the winner of David Goffin vs Jordan Thompson’s match in the second round. A potential clash with Andy Murray awaits him in the third round.

With the men’s singles main draw action starting tomorrow, who is your pick to win the ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells title? Let us know your views in the comments below.