Novak Djokovic has been ruled out of this year’s Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments because of his decision not to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
The World number two has eschewed participation in events where vaccination is mandatory for all entrants and was prevented from defending his crown at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Regulations require any non-US citizen to have a Covid vaccination before entering the country.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner was included in the draw for both events.
The Indian Wells draw will be less balanced following the late withdrawal of Djokovic, who was seeded second. His late withdrawal means the draw has to be reworked with No. 3 seed Grigor Dimitrov being promoted to the No. 2 seed slot initially allocated to Djokovic. A lucky loser from qualifying will be named to take Dimitrov’s spot in the opening round of the tournament.
By missing the Australian Open, Djokovic was overtaken in the list of overall major titles by eventual winner Rafael Nadal, who secured a record 21st Grand Slam.
Djokovic’s last appearance on the court was his defeat to Czech Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals in Dubai, which resulted in him surrendering his world number one ranking to Daniil Medvedev.
The Serb is now expected to make his return to the tour at the Monte Carlo Masters in April.
