Novak Djokovic officially withdraws from Indian Wells
ATP
Novak Djokovic's fans were left disappointed after the tournament organizers confirmed that he withdrew from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells.
Djokovic had been on the entry list for the Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open, but with his US visa application for a special exemption likely to have failed, his participation in the entire Sunshine Double is now in doubt.
As of now, he still stays on the entry list for the Miami Open, but he may soon withdraw also from that ATP Masters 1000 event, completely missing the Sunshine Double in 2023.
After one of his matches at the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier this year, Djokovic confirmed that if he's to withdraw from Indian Wells, he'll certainly do it before the draw so he doesn't hold up a place of another player, who may compete at the event.
As a 22-time Grand Slam winner, Djokovic's absence will undoubtedly be felt. The Serbian has been in great form, as he managed to win the Australian Open earlier this year and stayed unbeaten until the 2023 Dubai Championships semi-finals.
Despite Djokovic's impressive record on the tennis courts, his US visa issues have been making headlines recently instead of his play. As an unvaccinated foreigner, he is not allowed to enter the US due to the COVID-19 regulations in place until May 11.
However, Djokovic had applied for a special waiver to enter the country to participate in the Sunshine Double. That seems to be unsuccessful despite backing from the USTA and tournament organizers.
Announcing Djokovic's withdrawal in a statement, Indian Wells organizers didn't provide any details, simply announcing that the World No. 1 player would not compete at the BNP Paribas Open in 2023.
"World No.1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open."
For Djokovic, this marks another even that he couldn't play in despite not being injured.
