Novak Djokovic looks set to miss out on the Indian Wells Masters for the fourth successive year.
Late last month reports suggested the unjabbed Serbian had hoped to secure a Covid vaccine exemption. But with the chances of that reportedly fading away, the world No.1 now appears ready to pull out of the first Masters 1000 event of the season before the draw is made.
“Whatever the decision is, if I'm not allowed, I'm going to pull out, of course, before the draw,” the 35-year-old said. “Let's see what the answer is, then I'll take it from there. I'll focus right now on the tournament here in Dubai, then we'll see what's next.”
This is a lesson the tennis legend learned from last year, as he did not withdraw from the California-based tournament until after the draw. This drew controversy given his choice meant the first alternate had to qualify rather than automatically claiming his spot, and denied another the chance to take the qualifying place. The athlete has not featured in the Californian desert since 2019 when he lost in straight sets to Philipp Kohlschreiber.
He has won the event five times and was hoping he would have a chance to add to his haul this year. Tommy Haas, the Indian Wells tournament director, voiced his frustration with the ruling. “Novak’s situation is obviously frustrating for us,” the German said. “We want the best tennis player in the world to be here. He’s writing me, he wants to be here.
“So of course, you’re like, OK, let’s try to make this happen. How can we figure this out that’s going to be realistic? But at the end of the day, unfortunately, that’s not in our hands and that’s what’s frustrating.” Djokovic will also miss the Miami Open, which takes place the week after Indian Wells has concluded.
His decision may take place at the conclusion of the ongoing Dubai Masters on Saturday, a day before the Indian Wells draw is made. Djokovic’s great rival Rafael Nadal also won’t be present for the US hard court swing as he continues to recover from a hip injury.
“I'm doing weekly check-ups. We will have to see how I evolve,” the Spaniard said this week with an update. “I'm recovering and doing as much work as I can daily to return as soon as possible. I go day by day and will return when I'm fine.”
It’s more bad news for Nadal as his 18-year run in the top 10 is set to come to an end. With Taylor Fritz into the semi-finals in Acapulco, it's mathematically confirmed that the 22-time Grand Slam winner will leave the top 10 after Indian Wells.
Commenting on the news, Nadal was disappointed that his streak will soon be over, but was amazed at how long it lasted given his injury problems. "I would rather be in the top 10, that's obvious, but in the end you have to accept things as they are," Nadal said. "With all the injuries I've had in the last 18 months, never having been outside Top 10 is almost a miracle.”
