CNN
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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this week’s BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, the event introduced on Sunday, suggesting that his visa software to enter the US had been unsuccessful.
Djokovic, who’s unvaccinated towards Covid-19, stated final month that he had hoped for a “constructive consequence” on having the ability to obtain particular permission to play tournaments within the US, the place worldwide guests have to be vaccinated with the intention to acquire entry.
Georgian participant Nikoloz Basilashvili has taken Djokovic’s place within the draw.
Chatting with reporters on Friday after his defeat towards Daniil Medvedev in Dubai, the Australian Open champion stated he was “nonetheless ready for the information from America.”
He added: “If there’s no America, I suppose I’ll play clay. Monte Carlo might be the subsequent event. If that’s the case, I’ll take a while off, I’ll put together.”
CNN has contacted Djokovic’s representatives for touch upon his withdrawal from Indian Wells however didn’t obtain a response.
The event begins on Monday and concludes on March 19.
Final week, the US Open stated in a tweet that Djokovic is without doubt one of the “best champions our sport has ever seen,” including that organizers of the grand slam had been “hopeful” his petition to enter the nation would achieve success.
Djokovic started the 12 months by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the Australian Open, equaling Rafael Nadal’s report of twenty-two grand slam singles titles within the males’s all-time record.
He may surpass Nadal’s report on the French Open later this 12 months, although the Spaniard will probably be trying to defend his title as he continues his restoration from harm.