Indian Wells names World No.1 Novak Djokovic on entry list
California, February 10: World's number 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic, who was prevented from playing in the Australian Open for not being vaccinated against Covid-19, is on the entry list for the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 in California starting next month.
The organisers announced the entries here on Wednesday. The tournament's organisers have stated that vaccinations will be mandatory for the event, while also emphasising that the ATP will determine the players' rules and protocols in compliance with US restrictions.
According to the statement by organisers of the tournament, "The BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament. Guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by their respective governing bodies, the WTA and ATP, as well as any restrictions established by the United States of America in regard to the vaccination status of international travellers entering the country."
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The 20-time Grand Slam champion was denied entry to the Australian Open 2022 after the Australian government deported him last month for failing to disclose his coronavirus vaccination status.
Djokovic has won Indian Wells five times, although he hasn't competed in the tournament since 2019. He hasn't played a match since the Davis Cup in Madrid in November.
The reigning world number one is set to return to action at the ATP 500 Dubai Tennis Championships, starting February 21.
Rafael Nadal, Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and defending champion Cameron Norrie will join the Serb in the men's bracket. The ATP 1000 Masters in Indian Wells will take place from March 7 to March 20.
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-PTC News
