Djokovic name on the entry list for the vaccinated-only Indian Wells tournament

The registration list for the Indian Wells Masters, which will be contested in March in California, includes world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, according to event organisers. Djokovic was deported from Australia since he was unable to defend his title at the Australian Open 2022 due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

The unvaccinated Serb, 34, was reported from Australia this month after he went to court to challenge the Australian government’s first revocation of his visa due to a lack of evidence for Covid-19 exemption.

Djokovic said that he contracted Covid in December of last year and went through the legal process to have his visa cancelled, only to be deported when the Australian immigration minister utilised his special powers to revoke it again.

According to the Reuters news agency, Djokovic may have difficulties even entering into the United States since international air passengers have been required to be completely vaccinated and produce confirmation of vaccination before boarding flights since November last year, with a few exceptions.

Valid documentation of complete vaccination will be required for entry into the arena, according to tournament organisers. The Indian Wells event takes place from March 9 through March 20.

“The protocols set by… the WTA and ATP, as well as any limitations issued by the United States of America in reference to the vaccination status of overseas tourists entering the country,” organisers stated.

Djokovic has won Indian Wells five times but hasn’t featured there since 2019. He is part of a packed line-up that includes Rafael Nadal, the winner of the 2022 Australian Open, and top 10 players Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

He’ll make his comeback in the ATP 500 Dubai Tennis Championships, which will take place from February 21 to 26.