Serbian Novak Djokovic, world n ° 1, is one of the players involved in the Indian Wells Masters 1000, alongside the winners of the last Australian Open Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty, his participation is however only possible if he is vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Health and safety being the top priority, the tournament will require a valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells tennis complex”, the organizers said in their statement on Wednesday.
“The guidelines for players are governed by the protocols established by the WTA and ATP and according to the restrictions established by the United States regarding the vaccination status of international travelers entering the country”, it is specified.
A 6th Californian title in the sights
Thus, in order to be able to compete for a sixth title in the Californian desert from March 7 to 20, Djokovic will have to present proof of full vaccination.
Also registered for the Dubai tournament, which will take place at the end of February, Djokovic had turned up, unvaccinated, at the beginning of January in Melbourne to glean a 21e grand Slam title, which would have been the absolute record ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
He was eventually deported from Australia, epilogue to a long saga around its vaccine status, after failing to convince the judiciary of that country to accept his appeal against the cancellation of his visa by the government.
In the end, it was Nadal who made history two weeks later, by winning a home final against Daniil Medvedev, after having to stop competing for more than four months to treat an injury to his left foot and contracting the coronavirus late last year.
The Spaniard (n ° 5) and the Russian (n ° 2), both vaccinated, will be present at Indian Wells, along with the German Alexander Zverev (n ° 3) and the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (n ° 4) or the British title holder Cameron Norrie (n ° 13).
Among the women, in addition to the world No. 1 Barty, crowned with a first crown at home in Australia, will be present, the Spaniard Paula Badosa (n ° 5), winner at Indian Wells last year, the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (n ° 2) or the Czech Barbora Krejcikova (n0 3).
–
