World No.1 Novak Djokovic is on the entry list to play at next month’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells but his participation in the event is uncertain due to rules set out by the organizers.
This year’s event requires all those who attend the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to ‘have full proof of vaccination against COVID-19.’ Earlier this year it was confirmed that the 20-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t been vaccinated against the virus during a 11-day fiasco involving him and Australian authorities.
Djokovic travelled to the country in order to play at the Australian Open last month but border force officials deemed that his reason for a visa on the grounds that he had recently contracted COVID-19 was not valid. Even though he argued that Tennis Australia told him that this reason would allow him a medical exemption into the tournament. Djokovic was then placed into an immigration hotel before winning a court hearing which ruled that the process used to detain him was insufficient. However, the government then used their executive powers to revoke Djokovic’s visa for a second time, which was backed by the Federal court. Resulting in the tennis star getting deported.
Djokovic is yet to speak publicly about the incident or address if he will get a vaccination. However, his autobiographer Daniel Muksch believes he may now have a change of heart over the matter. Meanwhile, Indian Wells has issued a statement outlining their stance on the matter.
“The BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament,” organizers state.
“The guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by their respective governing bodies, the WTA and ATP, as well as any restrictions established by the United States of America in regard to the vaccination status of international travelers entering the country.”
It is possible that Djokovic could still play even if he is still not vaccinated. In some incidents tournaments have been given waivers by relevant authorities to allow unvaccinated players to participate on certain conditions. However, it is unclear if Indian Wells would be doing this.
There is also the bigger issue for Djokovic of him and others players who are not vaccinated being allowed into America to begin with. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that travellers to the country must be vaccinated but they do allow ‘limited exceptions.’
“You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or travelling to the United States on an immigrant visa). Only limited exceptions apply,” the CDC website states.
According to the CDC, most tennis players are not eligible for an exemption from the vaccine requirement. Examples of those who may be allowed an exemption include players who have a history of adverse reaction to a vaccination or come from a country where there is limited availability of the vaccination.
Djokovic is a five-time champion in Indian Wells and was unbeaten between 2014-2016. This year’s tournament will start on March 7th.
