Djokovic was included in the draw for Indian Wells but it remained unclear whether he would be allowed to play as he has not been vaccinated. However, the Serb let it be known on Wednesday that the American health service CDC will not allow him to play tennis in the US.
The 34-year-old Djokovic is a five-time champion in Indian Wells. He is the only player in the top 100 who has not been vaccinated against the corona virus. As a result, the Serb missed the Australian Open at the beginning of this year and has now also lost his first place in the world ranking to the Russian Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic’s forfeit may also have consequences for David Goffin (ATP 71), who will face Australian Jordan Thompson (ATP 78) in the first round of the ATP Masters 1,000 tournament. If the man from Liège gets past Thompson, a confrontation with the Serb may have been waiting.