The BNP Paribas Open began Monday with qualifying. The men’s main draw starts Thursday and continues through March 20. Djokovic remained in the BNP Paribas Open draw until Wednesday when the tournament announced his withdrawal due to his inability to travel into the country.
Djokovic, 34, then tweeted his own announcement, stating that he also will not play in Miami later this month.
“While I was automatically in the @BNPParibasOpen and @MiamiOpen draw, I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel,” Djokovic tweeted. “The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing, so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments.”
Djokovic’s withdrawal, though late, was not surprising. He was not expected to play at Indian Wells prior to the official withdrawal, and the tournament hinted as much with a life-sized cutout of Djokovic hung on a wall at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, along with other stars who have withdrawn. Next to the cutouts were the words, “We miss you.”