The world number two, Novak Djokovic, announced today (Thursday) that he is retiring from the huge tournament at Indian Wells, as he will not be able to enter the United States due to his refusal to get vaccinated against Corona.
Although the Serb was automatically registered in the lottery for the tournament, he realized from the beginning that he was unlikely to be able to enter the United States.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that regulations will not change and therefore I will not be able to play in the US," Djokovic said in a tweet.
While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I'd be able to travel.
The CDC has confirmed that regulations will not be changing so I will not be able to play in the US.
Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments đź‘Š
- Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 9, 2022
"Good luck to those who play in these great tournaments," he said, referring also to the Miami Open Championship, which starts later this month and also in which he will not be able to take part as long as regulations do not change.
As a reminder, Djokovic failed to compete in the Australian Open after immigration authorities arrested him on January 6, causing a major storm and a two-week long saga, which eventually led to his visa being revoked later that month.
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