Tennis
Indian Wells: Confusion with Djokovic continues
Indian Wells organizers claim they will require participants to provide proof of vaccinations, however they still have Djokovic on their entry list just hours before the draw.
A few hours before the draw on the men’s board (01:00 GR) it is not yet confirmed whether Novak Djokovic will play at this year’s Indian Wells.
Last month, the Serb stressed: “Right now we are talking about it, no, I cannot travel to the United States. “But let’s wait and see what happens.”
US rules require visitors to the country to carry a vaccination card, although there has been talk of easing in recent days, which so far seems unfounded.
The same policy is of course followed by the organizers, who state on the official website of the tournament: “The BNP Paribas Open requires all participants to provide valid proof of full vaccination against Covid-19”.
Nevertheless, Djokovic remains on the list of participants as his expected retirement is not reported to the official bodies of the event.
The delay complicates matters for the board as Portugal’s Joao Souza is anxiously awaiting the Serb’s withdrawal as he will take his place as first runner-up.
If the withdrawal comes after the draw, Djokovic will be replaced by a lucky loser from the qualifiers.
However, it is worth mentioning that at the entrance of Indian Wells Garden there are 5 posters of players such as Federer, Del Potro, Barty and Williams, but also Djokovic with the phrase “We will miss you”.
SOURCE: Tennis24
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