Djokovic on Indian Wells entry list but expected to miss out again

Thursday, 9 February 2023 06:17

By Reuters

Novak Djokovic was named on the entry list for the upcoming Indian Wells tennis tournament on Wednesday, but he is expected to be barred from travelling to the United States to compete due to his ongoing refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Serbian world number one is a five-time champion at the ATP 1000 event, but has not played a match on the hard courts in the Southern California desert since 2019.

The United States has in place a vaccine requirement for foreign air travellers that is not expected to be lifted before main draw action kicks off on March 9.

US President Joe Biden's administration last month said it would lift COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11, nearly three years after the United States imposed sweeping pandemic measures to curb the spread of the illness.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas recently said that it would be a "disgrace" if Djokovic was not allowed to compete at Indian Wells and other tournaments in the United States this year. Read full story

Haas said Indian Wells organisers would do everything to help Djokovic's chances of playing.

Djokovic, one of the most high-profile unvaccinated athletes in the world, missed last year's Australian Open and was deported from the country due to his vaccine status.

He regained entry into the tournament this year and won it to claim a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title and the world number one ranking.

The 35-year-old has previously stated he would miss Grand Slams rather than have a COVID vaccine.

Even if Djokovic is unable to compete at Indian Wells there will still be plenty of talent on show.

Spanish great Rafael Nadal, teenage world number two Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion Taylor Fritz were among those named on Wednesday's entry list.

On the women's side, world number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek, Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and rising Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff will compete for the prestigious title.

More from Sports News

Williams to face Australia's Joint in Wimbledon comeback

American great Serena Williams will face Australian 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of her eagerly awaited return to Wimbledon, a potentially tricky tie for the seven-time champion playing at the tournament for the first time since 2022.
Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA

Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.
Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through

The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.
Beccacece hails Ecuador's biggest World Cup victory

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said all Ecuadoreans have a lot to celebrate on Thursday after the country's biggest World Cup result ever, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage.
New Zealand openers break record against England

New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.