World No 1 Novak Djokovic has announced he will not compete at Indian Wells due to further issues surrounding his Covid-19 vaccination status. Last year the Serb missed both the Australian Open & US Open because he had not received his coronavirus jabs. He was deported from Australia in January 2022 and was denied entrance into the United States in September which meant he was absent for the Grand Slam events.

Djokovic was able to play defend his Wimbledon crown last year with UK Covid laws more relaxed than some other nations. He had hoped he would be granted entry to California with American coronavirus rules set to be scrapped in April. However, President Biden has reiterated his stance on the issue and rejected the 35-year-old’s request.

The Indian Wells tournament is regarding as the fifth major and attracts many of the world’s best players.