Novak Djokovic enters Indian Wells tennis tournament despite COVID-19 vaccination being entry requirement

Novak Djokovic is on the entry list for next month's Indian Wells tennis event in California, where «valid proof of full vaccination [is] required for entry».

The 34-year-old Serb was deported ahead of the Australian Open after an 11-day rollercoaster involving two visa cancellations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel.

Djokovic, who has won Indian Wells five times, was part of a stacked field announced on Thursday (AEDT), including Australian Open champions Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal, as well as runners-up Daniil Medvedev and Danielle Collins.

Despite being far and away the men's world number one, set to play one of the biggest non-major tournaments of the year, Djokovic is suspiciously absent from promotional material on the Indian Wells website, including stories about the «star-studded» entry lists for the event, running from March 9-20.

Tournament organisers said in a statement valid proof of full vaccination would be required for entry into the venue.

«The guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by … the WTA and ATP, as well as any restrictions established by the United States of America in regard to the vaccination status of international travellers entering the country,» organisers said.

Djokovic could have trouble even getting into the United States because foreign air travellers have had to be fully vaccinated since November last year and provide proof before boarding flights, with limited exceptions.

He is scheduled to return to action at the ATP 500 Dubai Tennis Championships, which will take place between February 21 and 26.

Reuters/ABC