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Novak Djokovic withdraws from BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells

Nikoloz Basilashvili will replace the 22-time Grand Slam champion in the draw.

ByTENNIS.com

Published Mar 06, 2023

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The latest high-profile withdrawal from this week's BNP Paribas Open comes as no surprise. But that doesn't mean it still isn't newsworthy.

A press release from the tournament on Sunday night confirmed that world No. 1 Novak Djokovic will not play the upcoming Indian Wells Masters for the third consecutive year. While it does not state the reason for the 22-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal, it is due to the U.S. government's policy on unvaccinated individuals being barred from entering the country, with Djokovic unwilling to receive a COVID-19 vaccine:

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field. Press release from Indian Wells

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Novak Djokovic has won 10 of the last 16 Australian Opens, and has been victorious the last four times he's played in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic has won 10 of the last 16 Australian Opens, and has been victorious the last four times he's played in Melbourne.

© Getty Images

Barring a sudden change in government policy, Djokovic will similarly be unable to compete in this month's Miami Open, another ATP Masters 1000 event. Djokovic has also missed the previous two editions of the Florida-based tournament.

Djokovic is a five-time champion at both Indian Wells and Miami, and won three consecutive titles at each event from 2014-16. Incredibly, he has yet to reach the quarterfinal round at either tournament since his 2016 triumphs.