As happened to him at the Australian Open in 2022, Novak Djokovic was denied again and will not be able to enter the US to play the Indian Wells Masters 1000, according to the tournament’s Twitter account. “World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open 2023 tournament. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili enters the final draw”, wrote the organization of the competition.
The announcement prompted an immediate reaction from netizens who supported Nole and criticized the US policy. “Another shameful day for a country that prides itself on being the Land of the Free”; “A big loss for both Indian Wells and Miami. You always want to be number 1 in the world at your events”; “Ridiculous! Thank you, Novak, for standing firmly for freedom!” – there were some opinions.
In recent days, the name of the Serbian tennis player has been in the public eye due to a conflict of interest caused by his refusal to vaccinate against covid-19 and US restrictions on this matter.
Djokovic even became the subject of political debate on social media when two prominent senators decided to criticize President Joe Biden for this ruling and sent him a letter claiming the athlete.
There was little that could be done, and the restriction on unvaccinated travelers will remain in effect until May 11 this year. The reason why Djokovic will also not be able to be at the Miami Masters unless the US government approves an exemption from his visa. Where he can be is at the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the season.
The Balkan racket has missed this tournament for the fourth year in a row. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, he was forced to retire due to the same situation. His decision not to get vaccinated against the virus also saw him absent from the 1000 Masters in Miami, Canada and Cincinnati, as well as the US Open.
The loudest and most controversial case was the 2022 Australian Open, where he even went to the country and walked for several hours.
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Source: La Opinion
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