Indian Wells, Feb. 10 (BUS) – Novak Djokovic, who was deported from Australia for being vaccinated against the coronavirus before the Australian Open, is on the list for next month’s Indian Wells ATP event in California, tournament organizers said. Wednesday.
The 34-year-old Serb, who has not been vaccinated, was deported after 11 days of a rollercoaster that included two visa revocations, two appeals in court and five nights in two shifts in an immigration detention hotel, where asylum seekers are held.
Djokovic has won Indian Wells five times and was part of a stacked stadium announced on Wednesday, which includes Australian Open 2022 winner Rafael Nadal and top 10 players Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
In a statement, tournament organizers said valid proof of full vaccination is required to enter the venue. The Indian Wells Championship runs from March 9-20.
“The players’ guidelines are governed by the protocols established by…the WTA and the ATP, as well as any restrictions placed by the USA regarding the vaccination status of international travelers entering the country,” the organizers added.
Djokovic may even have difficulty getting into the United States, because foreign air travelers must be fully vaccinated since November last year and provide proof before boarding flights, with limited exceptions.
He is scheduled to return to the courts for the Dubai ATP 500 Tennis Championships, which will take place on February 21-26