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Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili, 31, will move
into the field to replace Djokovic.
Djokovic's withdrawal stems from his vaccination status against
COVID-19. The 22-time Grand Slam winner isn't vaccinated, but
sought special permission from the U.S. government to play in
the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open, which begins March 22.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., wrote Friday on Twitter that Homeland
Security had denied Djokovic's request for a waiver. Scott,
along with fellow Florida senator Marco Rubio, had written a
letter to Joe Biden urging the president to let Djokovic play.
"We have been told that (Homeland Security) just denied (Djokovic)'s
vaccine waiver request, making him ineligible to compete in the
US next week in CA & in the (Miami Open)," Scott said on
Twitter.
"(Joe Biden) must fix this NOW, grant the waiver & allow him to
compete here in the states."
The U.S. doesn't end its COVID-19 emergency declaration until
May 11, which is what currently prevents foreigners traveling
via plane to enter the country without being vaccinated.
Djokovic, 35, has not participated in the BNP Paribas Open and
Miami Open in four years. Play at Indian Wells begins on
Wednesday and runs through March 19.
--Field Level Media
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