Novak Djokovic WITHDRAWS from Indian Wells after last-ditch bid to enter USA unvaccinated

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will not be compete at the Indian Wells tournament after failing to seal special permission to enter the United States.

The Serbian, who is one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against the virus, applied to the US government last month for a waiver to play at ATP Masters events at Indian Wells and Miami.

Current restrictions are due to end in April – leaving Djokovic free to play in this summer’s US Open – but he will not be getting special treatment in his bid to enter the States early. 

The 22-time Grand Slam winner wanted to play the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which starts on Monday, and the Miami Open. He is currently still slated to play in the latter.

Djokovic’s absence from a popular tournament has sparked outrage with some calling the decision to keep out one of the best tennis players of all time ‘insane’ and ‘absurd’. 

Novak Djokovic will not play at Indian Wells after withdrawing from the tournament on Sunday

Comedian and talk-show host Bill Maher did not hold back in his criticism of his nation’s COVID rules.

‘He’s unvaccinated but he’s had COVID twice, natural immunity. Again something we always used to understand was like better than the actual vaccine. Somehow that got to be reversed,’ he said in a panel discussion.

‘The head of the Miami tournament, I read a quote and he’s trying to get Djokovic in. He said: “There doesn’t appear to be any imminent danger.”

‘Imminent danger? Of a man playing tennis? Of a man who’s had it twice? In a sport where you’re alone, in a middle of a stadium where you’re outside in a country where everyone’s already had it.

‘No imminent danger. This country is stuck on stupid, it just is.’ 

Djokovic’s bid to enter the US early had even been backed by the US Open and the United States Tennis Association, who had implored the government to make an exception for the tennis great. 

A post from the US Open Tennis Twitter account said: ‘Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen.

‘The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.’

His bid for special dispensation was backed by both the US Open (above) and the USTA

The Serb has just finished playing in Dubai and was ready to head to America if allowed

Djokovic’s vaccination status led to him missing both the Australian Open – with him being deported from the country – and US Open last year.

With vaccination against Covid-19 no longer required to enter Australia, he then successfully challenged a three-year ban on applying for a visa and was able to compete in January’s Australian Open, going on to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

Last week, the 35-year-old told a press conference regarding Indian Wells and Miami: ‘I’m waiting for a reply, it’s not on me. I will know soon.

‘Everything is in process. I’m thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament and communities for their support publicly.

‘They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments. I’m very thankful for that because I have a big desire to be there, I haven’t played there for a couple of years.

‘I’m looking forward to a positive decision coming soon, but it’s not in my hands.’

The 22-time grand slam winner has missed out on a host of big tournaments due to his decision to not receive the Covid-19 vaccine