(Tennis news) Novak Djokovic is a five time winner of the Indian Wells tournament but has not played a single match at the ATP 1000 event in Southern California since 2019. As per the United States laws, foreigners are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the restrictions are not expected to be lifted before the tournament begins on March 19th. The US government said that it will lift the emergency restrictions on May 11th, nearly three years after imposing the pandemic measures to curb the spread of illness.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas said that it would be a “disgrace” if Djokovic is not allowed to compete in any other tournaments in the United States this year and has said that the organisers will do everything possible to ensure that the Serbian can play. Djokovic was forced to miss the Australian Open last year due to his vaccination status and was subsequently deported. He regained entry at the Grand Slam tournament this year and won his 22nd title, equalling Rafael Nadal’s record. The 35 year old has previously said that he is willing to miss out on tournaments instead of getting vaccinated.

Even without Djokovic, the Indian Wells is expected to feature many star studded names such as Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion Taylor Fritz, among others. In the women’s category, world No 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek will feature alongside Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and rising Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.

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