Novak Djokovic snubs US ATP Masters 1000 tournaments

Novak Djokovic will not be allowed to compete at the Indian Wells and Miami ATP Masters 1000 tournaments this month after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitively ruled that he cannot enter the United States while he remains unvaccinated from Covid-19.

Despite acknowledging two weeks ago that he would not be able to compete in the US as things stood due to the country forbidding unvaccinated foreign travellers, Djokovic surprisingly remained on the Indian Wells entry list this week and he was placed into the main draw on Tuesday.

On Wednesday evening, Djokovic finally announced that he would not be able to play in the United States: "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," said Djokovic in a statement. "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."

Much like the Australian Open in January, when he was deported on the eve of the tournament, Djokovic's last minute withdrawal means that the Indian Wells lineup will be lopsided. Grigor Dimitrov, previously unseeded, moves into Djokovic's place at the foot of the draw as the new 33rd seed and there will now be a lucky loser.

Djokovic has now been unable to compete at the three big tournaments at the beginning of the season. In Australia, Rafael Nadal won a surprise record 21st grand slam title in his absence and the points Djokovic lost after being unable to defend his title played a significant role in Daniil Medvedev usurping him to reach the No 1 ranking last month.

Djokovic is likely to return in mid-April at the Monte Carlo Masters, which is based in France, as France's Covid passport system is expected to be relaxed on 14 March. He will likely be able to compete at the French Open in May for the same reason.

While Djokovic did not concede defeat until the last moment, the BNP Paribas had already come to its own conclusions. On the "we miss you" mural recognising stars that are absent from Indian Wells, Djokovic's likeness has sat front and centre since the beginning of the week.

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