Djokovic added to Indian Wells draw, unclear if he can enter U.S., says tournament organizers
Serbian star previously said he was prepared to 'miss tournaments' for refusing to obtain COVID-19 vaccine
Novak Djokovic was placed in the men's draw for the Indian Wells on Tuesday, although it remains to be seen whether the second-ranked player will be allowed to enter the United States.
Djokovic's name was on the entry list when the men's draw was made Tuesday, so the five-time tournament champion was included. He received a first-round bye and would play either David Goffin or Jordan Thompson in the second round.
"We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] approval to enter the country," tournament officials said in a statement.
Djokovic's photo was included on a "We Miss You" wall of players who are absent from Indian Wells.
Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today. We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC approval to enter the country.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a>
—@BNPPARIBASOPENHe last played at a tournament in Dubai last month, losing in the quarterfinals to Jiri Vesely.
He was deported from Australia in January after his visa was cancelled on the eve of the Australian Open. Djokovic said a previous COVID-19 infection meant he was exempt from rules stating that all arriving visitors must be fully vaccinated. He was detained in an immigration facility before being ordered to leave.
WATCH | Djokovic deported:
