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Djokovic Withdraws after Failed Bid to Play Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic
    Asharq A-Awsat
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Djokovic Withdraws after Failed Bid to Play Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming BNP Paribas Open, having lost his bid to enter the United States unvaccinated to play in the Southern California event.

The tournament announced his withdrawal on Sunday night, The Associated Press reported. Play in the combined ATP-WTA event begins Wednesday at Indian Wells Tennis Garden and runs through March 19.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said on Twitter that Homeland Security had rejected Djokovic's vaccine waiver request, which would have allowed him to play back-to-back at Indian Wells and Miami, which runs March 19-April 2.

The US is ending its COVID-19 emergency declaration on May 11, which will allow foreign air travelers to enter the county without being vaccinated.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost in the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Friday.

With Djokovic out, Nikoloz Basilashvili moved into the Indian Wells draw.

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PSG Moves Closer to an Unbeaten Ligue 1 Season after Beating Le Havre

PSG's Bradley Barcola, center, celebrates with his teammates after PSG's Goncalo Ramos scored a goal during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Le Havre at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP)
PSG's Bradley Barcola, center, celebrates with his teammates after PSG's Goncalo Ramos scored a goal during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Le Havre at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP)
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PSG Moves Closer to an Unbeaten Ligue 1 Season after Beating Le Havre

PSG's Bradley Barcola, center, celebrates with his teammates after PSG's Goncalo Ramos scored a goal during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Le Havre at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP)
PSG's Bradley Barcola, center, celebrates with his teammates after PSG's Goncalo Ramos scored a goal during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Le Havre at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP)

Paris Saint-Germain labored past lowly Le Havre 2-1 on Saturday and moved closer to finishing Ligue 1 unbeaten.

PSG has already clinched the league title, and coach Luis Enrique rested 21-goal top-scorer Ousmane Dembélé and gave 17-year forward Ibrahim Mbaye a chance up front.

Another teenage forward, Désiré Doué, gave PSG an early lead with a deflected strike after being set up by winger Bradley Barcola's league-leading 10th assist.

The second goal came in the new half when 18-year-old midfielder Senny Mayulu broke down the left and allowed center forward Gonçalo Ramos an easy tap-in.

Sloppy defending from a corner let striker Issa Soumaré head a goal back on the hour for Le Havre, which remained 16th and in the relegation playoff spot.

PSG is on course for the first treble in its history.

It travels to Arsenal on April 29 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal, and takes on Reims in the French Cup final on May 24.

The top three gain automatic entry into next season's Champions League while the side in fourth spot enters qualifying.