Novak Djokovic, the top men’s tennis champion, has withdrawn from the upcoming BNP Paribas Open after losing his attempt to enter the United States unvaccinated to play in the Southern California event.
The tournament announced its withdrawal on Sunday evening. Play in the combined ATP-WTA event begins Wednesday at Indian Wells Tennis Garden and runs through March 19.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said on Twitter that Homeland Security rejected Djokovic’s request for a vaccine waiver that would allow him to play back-to-back in Indian Wells and Miami, which runs from March 19 to April 2 .
The US is ending its COVID-19 emergency declaration on May 11, allowing foreign air travelers to enter the province without being vaccinated.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost in the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Friday.
With Djokovic out, Nikoloz Basilashvili advanced to the Indian Wells draw.
