Hopes for his start lived only a moment. The name of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic figured in the fate of the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, California. However, the former world leader has the status of an unvaccinated player, which is a problem.
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“They confirmed (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) that the rules for entering the country will not change. Therefore, I will not be able to play in the USA,” Djokovic wrote. “I wish everyone who will play in these important tournaments good luck,” he added.
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While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen 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 👊
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 9, 2022
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Djokovic is an opponent of vaccination and has already lost his start at the first grand slam of the Australian Open season. The 34-year-old Serb then said he would not get vaccinated and was ready to lose more tournaments.
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The organizers in Indian Wells were counting on him. Djokovic was to have a free draw in the first round of the California tournament, which is nicknamed the fifth grand slam. The 34-year-old Serb is a five-time Indian Wells champion, in the second round he was to compete against the winner of the duel between Australian Jordan Thompson and Belgian David Goffin.
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By order of the United States Government, all foreigners must present a coronavirus vaccination certificate upon entering the country. The organizers of the Indian Wells tournament were in close contact with members of Djokovic’s team.
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Jiří Veselý receives congratulations from Novak Djokovic.Photo: Suhaib Salem, Reuters
The famous Serb last introduced himself at the tournament in Dubai, where he unexpectedly lost to Jiří Veselý in the quarterfinals.
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In an interview with the BBC last month, he assured that he is ready to miss other major events in the future. “The principles of deciding on my body are more important than any title or anything else,” Djokovic repeated.
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“I try to be in harmony with my body as much as I can.”
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He missed the Australian Open and gave the big rival a chance. The later winner Rafael Nadal, who secured a record 21st Grand Slam, overtook Djokovic in the number of overall major titles.
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The defeat with Vesely meant that Djokovic left the place of world number one to the Russian Daniil Medvedev, who won his first big title at the September US Open and is the highest in Indian Wells.
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The men’s tournament in Indian Wells will start on Thursday, the women have already started the opening round.
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