Novak Djokovic: Why has he withdrawn from Indian Wells? Will he play at Miami Open? Will he lose world No. 1 ranking?

Novak Djokovic’s hopes of returning to Indian Wells this season are over after he officially withdrew from the tournament on Monday. The world No. 1 is a five-time champion at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament but his last appearance was in 2019.

Ad Why has Djokovic pulled out from Indian Wells? Why is the timing of his withdrawal important? And will he also now miss the Miami Open? ATP Indian WellsDjokovic withdraws from Indian Wells due to vaccination status7 HOURS AGO Why has Djokovic withdrawn from Indian Wells? As it stands, Djokovic is not allowed to travel to the US, which is the only country on the ATP Tour that requires international travellers to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Djokovic is unvaccinated and said in early 2022 that he was willing to miss Grand Slams rather than change his stance and receive the vaccine. The current US entry regulations are set to be lifted on May 11.

Djokovic reportedly applied for an exemption to travel to the US without being vaccinated, and the United States Tennis Association and the US Open said last week they were «hopeful» he would be allowed to play Indian Wells and the Miami Open. However, Djokovic will not play at Indian Wells after officially withdrawing two days before the tournament starts on March 8. Djokovic also missed large chunks of the 2022 season due to being unvaccinated.