PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open. Less than a week ago, Djokovic told reporters that he had applied for a waiver to get around a rule in the United States requiring that all foreign visitors flying into the country be immunized for COVID-19. The mandate will end on May 11. At the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the BNP Paribas Open will take place from March 6–19. 113th-ranked Nikoloz Basilashvili now enters the men's draw as a result of Djokovic's withdrawal. Djokovic on Monday began his 378th week as No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings to overtake WTA legend Steffi Graf’s record for the most weeks spent at the top of the sport. The second well-known male tennis player to withdraw from the most popular international tennis event outside of the majors is Djokovic, 35, who has done so with his withdrawal. The contest was abandoned by Rafael Nadal on February. 28 due to a leg injury he sustained at the Australian Open, which Djokovic won to tie Nadal for the most Grand Slam titles (22) in the annals of men's tennis. Not having Djokovic, the top-ranked player in the men’s game, is surely a blow to this year’s BNP Paribas Open.
For more than a decade, the top draws in the sport have been Djokovic, Nadal, and Roger Federer, who gave up playing last year. Since 2019, Djokovic has not competed at Indian Wells or the Miami Open, also known as the Sunshine Double, in part due to COVID-19 and the travel requirement. After the U.S. Open, Indian Wells and Miami host the two biggest tournaments in America. U.S. Open. The United States Tennis Association and the U.S. Open issued a joint statement advocating for Djokovic to be granted an exemption to enter the country and participate in its tournaments, starting this week with Indian Wells.
With victories at Indian Wells in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016, Djokovic has the highest career win percentage (84.75 percent). With 20 straight victories from 2014 to 2017, Djokovic also established a tournament record. At Indian Wells, Djokovic last competed in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the tournament to be postponed in 2020, from March to October, and the players decided not to participate. He was unable to enter the United States because of the travel restriction. S. in preparation for the competition in 2022.
“It’s not in my hands,” Djokovic told reporters on Feb. 22. “I am waiting for an answer. All I know is that the process is ongoing, but I am glad I have the support of the tournament directors. I just hope that the third party, which makes the decision, will think the same.” “The USTA and the US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami,” the statement read. Former world No. 2 Tommy Haas, the tournament director at Indian Wells, said publicly last month that it would be “a disgrace” if Djokovic was unable to play at Indian Wells and Miami due to the restrictions. Legendary player John McEnroe said that “it would be a damn shame” if Djokovic was unable to come to the U.S. “This is a historic time in our sport, obviously, with him and Rafael both at 22,” McEnroe said. “It’s pretty interesting if you ask me.” McEnroe added, “I think it’s a complete joke that he’s not allowed to play.” Djokovic said that missing tournaments over his vaccination stance was, "the price I am willing to pay."
USA TODAY
