The entry drama surrounding Novak Djokovic before the Australian Open went around the world. And the problem could repeat itself. Because even in a renowned Masters tournament, all players must be vaccinated.
Novak Djokovic could soon face renewed trouble. As the organizers of the Masters tournament in Indian Wells announced, only fully vaccinated tennis players are allowed to take part in the event in March.
Indian Wells first Masters of the calendar year
“Health and safety are our top priority,” it said. At the event from March 7th to 20th in the US state of California, Djokovic is currently still on the entry list. A Masters tournament, of which there are nine per year on the ATP tour, is one of the most important events in tennis after a Grand Slam tournament. The Masters tournament in Indian Wells is the first of the calendar year.
World number one Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Covid-19 in January, had tried to take part in the Australian Open with an exemption. He had indicated that he had recovered from an infection, citing a positive test on December 16 and a negative certificate six days later. There were doubts about that.
Ultimately, his visa was annulled. The tennis star finally had to leave Melbourne shortly before the start of the tournament. It is not known whether Djokovic has now been vaccinated against Covid-19.