Unjabbed Novak Djokovic is included in the Indian Wells draw despite the tournament only allowing vaccinated players to play 

Novak Djokovic has been included in the Indian Wells draw but there is doubt whether the unvaccinated former world No 1 will be permitted to enter the United States for the tournament.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner’s refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine saw him booted out of the Australian Open following an 11-day legal battle earlier this year. The Serbian, 34, is still waiting to hear whether the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] will grant him a visa to take part in the BNP Paribas Open in California later this week.

Djokovic received a first-round bye and will play either David Goffin or Jordan Thompson in the second round this Saturday if he is allowed into the country. 

A statement from the organisers read: ‘Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today.

‘We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC approval to enter the country.

‘We will provide updates in the future as we learn more.’ 

The CDC website as of March 3 indicated that non-US citizens who are not immigrants must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 in order to travel by air to the United States.

Tournament officials at Indian Wells have made clear that everyone allowed on site must be vaccinated.