This is one of the most awaited tournaments for the protagonists. Frequently referred as the fifth major for its magnitude, it will represent the return of the top stars of the ATP to the USA. There were already events at Dallas and Delray Beach, with those being ATP 250.

Having a Masters 1000 ahead will attract everyone’s attention. The main absentee in the men’s draw will be Novak Djokovic, but the World’s N°1 won’t be alone in that list. Check out the reason why Nadal will not play the BNP Paribas Open.

Why isn’t Rafael Nadal playing at Indian Wells?

The Australian Open left space for a ton of surprising results, although one player from the United States made the biggest impact. That protagonist was Mackenzie McDonald when he defeated Nadal in the second round with a 6-4; 6-4; 7-5. It was a perfect match from the American, but the health of the Spaniard had a huge role in the scoreboard.

Nadal is not playing at Indian Wells because he is injured. The 22-time Grand Slam winner had yet another injury during that loss in Melbourne on January 18. It was a grade 2 lesion in the Iliacus Psoas of his left leg with a timetable of six to eight weeks for a return. This potential comeback date could have allowed him to play in the United States, but he confirmed his withdrawal.

When is Rafael Nadal returning from injury?

It was a somewhat predictable beginning of the season so far. Oceania is the place where the action always begins, mainly with the Australian Open. There was a clear favorite in the men’s draw and he took away the honor.

Djokovic claimed the trophy at Melbourne Park for the 10th time in his career to continue beating records. He is currently the World’s N°1 in the ranking, but that could change because he will not play this tournament.

The reason why Novak Djokovic is not playing at Indian Wells

The Serbian had a brilliant start of the season with his 22nd Grand Slam title to tie Rafael Nadal. He reportedly did so with a muscle injury, although that’s not the reason why he will be missing. His absence goes beyond his physical status.

Djokovic is not playing at Indian Wells because he is not vaccinatedagainst the coronavirus. Most of the countries that host big tournament have lifted or modified their traveling conditions regarding the covid vaccines. That has not changed yet in the United States, so he had to apply for an exception. Unfortunately for him, the authorities didn’t grant Djokovic a waiver to enter the USA.

From March 12 to March 20, the elite players will try to succeed last year’s champions Cameron Norrie and Paula Badosa. However, in the men’s side, five-time winner Novak Djokovic will be one of the most notable absences.

The Serbian player has been surrounded by controversy this year. After being deported from Australia due to his vaccination status, Djokovic could finally make his debut in Dubai. However, he was defeated in the quarterfinals and lost his World No. 1 ranking. Here, check out why he won’t be seen in Indian Wells.

Novak Djokovic won’t be playing at the BNP Paribas Open

It was unclear if Djokovic was going to play in Indian Wells due to his decision of not getting the Covid-19 vaccine. The CDC regulations for international arrivals indicate that non US citizens need to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Today, it was confirmed that the player wouldn’t get an exemption to play, as he explained on his Twitter.

“While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. 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 tweeted on Wednesday at 6:13 pm ET.

The tournament had made an explanation the day before that Djokovic would be in the draw. So, as he has definitely withdrawn, now Grigor Dimitrov will take his place in the draw and a lucky loser will take Dimitrov’s previous place.