Djokovic withdraws from BNP Paribas Open as US refuses entry over Covid-vaccine status

The Department of Homeland Security rejected Djokovic’s request for a vaccine exemption. Following this, the 35-year-old pulled out of the joint ATP-WTA event starting on Wednesday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.

As per the details, the event includes matches in both California and Miami, Florida, while it will go on till March 19.

Read also: Novak Djokovic breaks Steffi Graf’s record of 377 weeks at No. 1 spot: ‘It’s surreal’

According to the Association of Tennis Professionals, the Serbian player is currently ranked No. 1 in the world.

Republican Support:

Meanwhile, Republican senators – Rick Scott and Marco Rubio – have expressed their support for the Serbian tennis star.

“It has come to our attention that your administration has received a request from top-ranked male tennis player Novak Djokovic to waive the current vaccine mandate for international travelers entering the United States. We would like to urge you to grant the requested exemption. writes for, “It is necessary to allow Djokovic to compete in the Miami Open professional tennis tournament to be held in our home state of Florida beginning March 19, 2023.” Fox News Cited joint letter from Republicans.

He added, “Mr. Djokovic is a world-class athlete in peak physical condition who is not at high risk of serious complications from COVID-19. It seems both illogical and misconceived with your own administration’s opinion that he should be granted Not given.” He requests a waiver so he can travel to the US to compete in a professional event.”

Earlier in 2022, Djokovic did not compete in the US Open due to his Covid-vaccine status. He has been vocal and public about his decision not to get vaccinated.

With agency inputs.