New Delhi: Former World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open on Thursday, March 10, 2022, due to the coronavirus rules imposed by the United States of America.
Announcing the withdrawal on Twitter, Djokovic wrote, “While I was automatically listed in the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open draw, I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing, so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments.”
According to the regulations, a non-US citizen should have a Covid-19 vaccination before entering the country. On the other hand, the Serbian player is unvaccinated. It was the primary reason behind him missing the Australia Open in January 2022.
The Australian government cancelled his visa and deported him citing issues regarding his vaccination status and certification. However, Djokovic is likely to return for the Monte Carlo Masters tour in April 2022.
Talking about missing important tournaments in an earlier interview, Djokovic had said, “The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I am trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”
Novak Djokovic began his 2022 tour in February, where Czech player Jiri Vesely defeated him in the Dubai Open Quarterfinals.
(Avya Mathur)
