Novak Djokovic facing Indian Wells, Miami shut-out as USA extends ban on unvaccinated non-citizens to April 10

Former world No 1 Novak Djokovic looks unlikely to be able to play the Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami for a second year in a row.

The Serb missed the two tournaments in 2020 because of his decision to remain unvaccinated against Covid-19.

The USA had been expected to lift its ban on entry to unvaccinated non-citizens but on Wednesday, with Covid-19 cases rising in the country, it was confirmed that the ban has been extended to April 10.

Unless Djokovic, who says he has no plans to be vaccinated, can convince authorities he deserves an exemption, he will miss out on two big ranking points and money-making opportunities.

The BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells begins on March 8 while the Miami Open starts on March 22.

Djokovic missed last year’s Australian Open – and was sent home – because of his refusal to be vaccinated while he was also unable to travel to the United States for the US Open.

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