Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the draw for the Indian Wells tournament, organisers said on Sunday in an indication that the world number one's application for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter the U.S. might have failed.
No one from Djokovic's team was immediately available to comment on the withdrawal.
Last Friday, Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio wrote a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden urging him to grant the waiver request.were among those also hoping the 22-time Grand Slam champion would be allowed to enter. He would have been a heavy favorite to win his sixth Indian Wells title when the tournament kicks off in the Southern California desert on Wednesday.
Djokovic, who missed last year's Australian Open due to his vaccination status and was not allowed into the U.S. for last year's U.S. Open, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID shot.Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles, editing by Nick Mulvenney and Shri NavaratnamLos Angeles-based sports reporter who interviews the most impactful athletes and executives in the world.
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