Djokovic named for Indian Wells amid concerns over his Covid-19 vaccination status

• US will lift Covid restrictions on March 11 but tournament begins on March 9
• Djokovic had said he would miss tournaments instead of getting vaccinated
• Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff will also be in action

World number one Novak Djokovic has been named in the Indian Wells entry list despite concerns over his Covid-19 vaccination status. The Serb is not vaccinated against Covid-19 and could be forced to miss the tournament. While the Indian Wells main draw begins on March 9, the US is set to lift Covid-19 restrictions on March 11. The administration of US President Joe Biden said last month that it would modify the Covid-19 restrictions that were almost imposed. three years ago to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Djokovic is a five-time champion at Indian Wells, but has been barred from playing in the Southern California desert since 2019. Tournament director Tommy Haas recently said it would be a "disgrace" if the Serb was not allowed to compete at Indian Wells and other tournaments in the US.

Djokovic was deported from Australia on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open because he had not been vaccinated against Covid-19. But he came through this year to claim his record 10th title in Melbourne, equaling Rafael Nadal for men's singles Grand Slam titles (22). The Serb has previously stated that he will miss major tournaments instead of getting vaccinated against Covid-19. If Djokovic misses Indian Wells 2023, he still has a lot to look forward to.

Spain's Rafael Nadal, injured at the 2023 Australian Open, world number two Carlos Alcaraz and defending Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz are among those signed up. World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek, 2023 Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, American favorite Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff will also be in action at Indian Wells.