According to the organizers, the world number one has withdrawn from the tournament in the Californian desert. A reason was not given, but Djokovic is unlikely to have received a special permit to enter the USA due to his missing corona vaccination.
The 35-year-old Serb did not play in Indian Wells last year because he was not vaccinated against the corona virus and vaccination is a prerequisite for entering the USA. That is why Djokovic recently applied for an exemption from the responsible authorities in order to be able to take part in the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami (March 22nd to April 2nd). However, the corona restrictions are not likely to be lifted until May.
With five wins, Djokovic is the record winner of the tournament in Indian Wells together with Roger Federer.
