Djokovic still in Indian Wells draw despite not currently being allowed into US due to vaccine status
ATPWednesday, 09 March 2022 at 01:06
Novak Djokovic was still in the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells draw, despite not currently being allowed into the United Status due to vaccine regulations.
But due to Djokovic’s refusal to withdraw, he is still in the tournament for now with the organisers confirming this just before it was completed.
“Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today. We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC [Centre for Disease Control] approval to enter the country,” said the tweet by the organisers.
BBC interview
In his bombshell BBC interview, he confirmed that he wasn’t allowed to play at that time but also cryptically looked to a way of getting in and it seems that is the case.
“As of today, not. I can’t go, can’t enter the United States,” he said at the time. “As of today, I’m not able to play, but let’s see what happens. I mean, maybe things change in the next few weeks.”
It seems that like the Australian Open, Djokovic will aim to get a visa in some way which his team will be looking into and this will likely be prolonged until the weekend when he would start action.
This is despite the organisers initially confirming that the rules were set on this and the saga will roll on.
“In order to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the 2022 BNP Paribas Open will require all attendees to show valid proof of full vaccination against COVID-19,” reads a statement on the tournament’s official website.
“To keep all patrons on-site as safe as possible, no exceptions to the vaccination policy will be allowed. All tournament volunteers, staff, sponsors, media, and vendors will be fully vaccinated in accordance with this policy.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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AceOfBase12-09-2026
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