Novak Djokovic facing fresh vaccine row after being named on Indian Wells entry list

Novak Djokovic could be set to be involved in a fresh row over his vaccination status after being named on the entry list for Indian Wells.

Next month’s USA tournament requires all players to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

The world No.1 missed out on the chance to defend his Australian Open title in the first Grand Slam of the year last month with Australia denying him a visa based on his unvaccinated status.

Djokovic was deported after an 11-day rollercoaster involving two visa cancellations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel.

There will now be plenty of interest in how the USA and Indian Wells tournament organisers handle Djokovic’s plans to play in the upcoming tournament if, as is believed, he is still unvaccinated.

A statement released by the organisers said: ‘The BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament.

“Guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by their respective governing bodies, 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.’

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Djokovic has won Indian Wells five times and will hope to go for a sixth with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas all named on the entry list.

While Indian Wells doesn’t get underway until March 19, the 34-year-old is scheduled to