Confirmed! No Novak Djokovic At Indian Wells Or Miami
The Novak Djokovic circus won’t be coming to the U.S. this month, the Serb confirmed today.
Djokovic’s name popped up yesterday in the Indian Wells draw and then tournament sent out a statement indicating that the former No. 1 was trying to find a way into the country.
Well, Djokovic apparently did try but failed, and earlier this afternoon he officially removed his name from both March Masters.
“While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments 👊” he posted on twitter.
While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won't be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments 👊
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 9, 2022
The good news for Djokovic is he’s not really defending much if any ranking points, and he’ll get further time to prepare for the clay, plus avoid further scrutiny if he did find a loophole into the U.S.
The bad news is Daniil Medvedev will likely gain more ranking points, though not even sure the No. 1 matters to Novak at this point. It probably doesn’t.
As for Novak’s late withdrawal, the rules allow for it. And he was trying to get in, can’t fault him for trying. He could have even waited another day, perhaps. But he won’t be adding to his Masters haul this month.
Djokovic will apparently be back in Monte Carlo and with the COVID restrictions easing (it seems), I think he’ll be able to play a full Masters schedule after this month, including the North American events this summer.
With the 5-time champion, only Rafael Nadal and Cameron Norrie are the only men in the field to have won in the desert before.
At 15-0, Nadal’s had an incredible season so far, and he loves Indian Wells. And he’s arguably the favorite to win a fourth Indian Wells title.
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