Novak Djokovic on Indian Wells: "As it looks today, I can't play there"
Novak Djokovic (ATP No. 1) recently celebrated the start of the 2022 tennis year at the ATP tournament in Dubai, with an opening success on Monday . How things will continue for him after Dubai seems to be open.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Feb 23, 2022, 09:55 am
A bit stuttering, but convincing in the end and nerve-racking in the crucial phases: This is how Novak Djokovic started his 2022 season, with a little delay for known reasons. He had to fend off seven breakballs against Lorenzo Musetti in the 6: 3, 6: 3, but was in good shape in the end. Agile when he intercepted a slice played against the run (and took the point), and on fire when, unusually for his standards, he fired a forehand into the field from a fairly neutral position in the middle of the rally to the point.
Djokovic's draw in Dubai, it could be easier - now Karen Khachanov are waiting, then Roberto Bautista Agut and Denis Shapovalov would be up for debate, but the question that always resonates is of course how the Djoker will continue.
Djokovic will likely miss Indian Wells
Because Djokovic will probably miss the usual US tour, with the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. "As it looks today, no," was his answer to the question of participation. "Because I can't travel to the United States. As it stands right now, I can't play Indian Wells."
Vaccination against Corona is currently mandatory for entry into the USA , with a few exceptions, none of which probably apply to Djokovic. Djokovic doesn't want to rule anything out entirely. "We'll see what happens. Some things may change in the coming weeks."
Djokovic is more likely to hope for a relaxation of the regulations than to consider vaccination.In an interview with the BBC last week, he made it clear that he had no plans to be vaccinated against COVID. Even if he will miss some big tournaments because of it.
The good from his point of view: Things may look different for the clay court tour in Europe. According to the current status, Djokovic could also enter Italy and Spain with negative test results.