CNN
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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this week’s BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, the match introduced on Sunday, suggesting that his visa software to enter the USA had been unsuccessful.
Djokovic, who’s unvaccinated in opposition to Covid-19, stated final month that he had hoped for a “optimistic consequence” on having the ability to obtain particular permission to play tournaments within the US, the place worldwide guests have to be vaccinated to be able to acquire entry.
Georgian participant Nikoloz Basilashvili has taken Djokovic’s place within the draw.
Chatting with reporters on Friday after his defeat in opposition to 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 assume I’ll play clay. Monte Carlo might be the subsequent match. 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 match begins on Monday and concludes on March 19.
Final week, the US Open stated in a tweet that Djokovic is likely one of the “biggest 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 yr by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the Australian Open, equaling Rafael Nadal’s report of 22 grand slam singles titles within the males’s all-time listing.
He might surpass Nadal’s report on the French Open later this yr, although the Spaniard might be trying to defend his title as he continues his restoration from harm.