Novak Djokovic during a tournament in Dubai.
Photo: KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images
As happened to him at the Australia Open in 2022, Novak Djokovic was again rejected and will not be able to enter the United States to play the Indian Wells Masters 1,000, as announced by the tournament’s Twitter account. “World number one Novak Djokovic has been withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili enters the final draw”, wrote the organization of the contest.
The announcement generated immediate reactions from Internet users, who supported ‘Nole’ and criticized US policy. “Another shameful day for a country that prides itself on being the Land of the Free”; “A great loss for both Indian Wells and Miami. You always want the number 1 in the world in your events”; “Ridiculous! Thank you, Novak, for standing firm for freedom!”, were some of the opinions.
In recent days, the name of the Serbian tennis player has been in the public arena due to the conflict of interest generated by his refusal to be vaccinated against covid-19 and the United States restrictions on this matter.
Djokovic was even the subject of political debate on social networks when two well-known senators decided to criticize President Joe Biden for this regulation and sent him a letter alleging for the athlete.
Little could be done and the restriction for unvaccinated travelers will remain until May 11 of this year. Reason why Djokovic will not be able to be in the Miami Masters either, unless the US Government approves the exemption in his visa. Where he will be able to be will be at the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the season.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Balkan racket will miss this tournament. In 2020, 2021 and 2022 he was forced to resign due to this same situation. His decision not to get vaccinated against the virus was also the trigger for his absence at the 1,000 Masters in Miami, Canada and Cincinnati, and at the US Open.
The most prominent and controversial case was the Australia Open 2022, where he even traveled to the country and was held for several hours.
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