Novak Djokovic should withdraw from Indian Wells 2023 beforehand, implies tennis journalist after US vaccine requirements delay Serb's return

Novak Djokovic should not enter the 2023 Indian Wells and wait until the final draw comes out, to eventually withdraw from the tournament like he did last year. This is the view of tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, who made the statement after US authorities made it mandatory for non-US citizens to be vaccinated for COVID-19 even in 2023.

While several other countries have eased their norms following the decline in the spread of the viral disease in comparison to last year, the US government has stuck to its stringent laws. According to a statement released by the authorities, individuals traveling to the US should show their proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the country.

Considering the statement, Rothenberg conveyed that Djokovic should not enter and wait until after the final draw comes out for the US-based tournaments, including the Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

"I had hoped that vaccination status wouldn't still be a pressing issue in men's tennis in 2023...but here we are. At least this extension/date seems clear enough that Djokovic shouldn't enter and wait until after the draw comes out (like he did for IW 2022) to withdraw again," he wrote in his tweet.

Regarding the 21-time Grand Slam champion's chances of receiving an exemption from the authorities, Rothenberg expressed that the tournament organizers should not be attempting that as it "doesn't end well."

"If we learned anything from last year's debacle in Australia, it's that tennis tournaments really, really shouldn't be trying to find ways to get players around immigration laws. Doesn't end well," he tweeted.

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Novak Djokovic was the subject of significant criticism after his late withdrawals last year

Last year, Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Indian Wells and Miami Open after draws were made. His last-minute withdrawals from both events drew significant ire from fans and pundits alike.

The Serbian took to social media in March to announce that will not be competing in the tournaments as travel regulations for foreign travelers prevented him from entering the United States of America.

"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," his tweet read.

With the former World No. 1 still reluctant to take the COVID-19 vaccine, the World No. 5 will most certainly be forced to skip the Indian Wells and Miami Open in 2023 as well.