Novak Djokovic could be considering a dramatic U-turn on his vaccine stance after his name was included on the entry list for next month's Indian Wells Masters.
The Serbian tennis star is scheduled to take part in the California event, tournament organisers have revealed.
That would suggest Djokovic at least intends to take part in the ATP 1000 event, which is scheduled to begin on March 7.
However, current travel rules in the USA prevent any unvaccinated foreign travellers from entering the country, barring some "limited exceptions".
A notice on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website reads: "You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa). Only limited exceptions apply."
So, unless Djokovic is granted an exception from that rule, or the rules are relaxed, he will not be able to travel to California for the competition next month.
That is, if he remains unvaccinated – there have been some recent suggestions that the world number one is considering getting the jab to reduce disruption on his tennis career.
Djokovic's biographer, Daniel Muksch, has claimed the pain of watching Rafael Nadal win a 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne has prompted him to back down on his refusal to take the vaccine.
In an interview on Servus TV, which was translated by SportsKeeda, Muksch said: "Maybe the final in Melbourne also contributed to that.
"Rafael Nadal's 21 is driving him, no question. What you hear from his environment, I think he's getting vaccinated."
Djokovic does not need to be vaccinated to take part in the Dubai Tennis Championships from February 21, where the Serb is expected to return to competitive action.
However, his future participation in numerous other tournaments, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open, could be jeopardised if he doesn't go back on his previous vow to not get the jab.
A disclaimer at the top of the Indian Wells Masters entry list statement specifies that "valid proof of full vaccination is required for entry into Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament".
The statement reads: "With health and safety as the tournament’s top priority, the BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament.
"For the second consecutive year, the BNP Paribas Open has partnered with CLEAR, the secure identity company, to facilitate the implementation of the venue’s mandatory vaccination policy ahead of the 2022 tournament.
"The guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by their respective governing bodies, the WTA and ATP, as well as any restrictions established by the United States of America in regard to the vaccination status of international travellers entering the country."
