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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Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming BNP Paribas Open, having lost his bid to enter the United States unvaccinated to play in the Southern California event.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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LeBron ‘Happy to Have Helped’ Andreeva to Indian Wells Win 

Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
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LeBron ‘Happy to Have Helped’ Andreeva to Indian Wells Win 

Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

NBA star LeBron James said he was happy to have helped Mirra Andreeva after the Russian teenager credited one of his past interviews where he talked about the importance of mental strength for inspiring her to victory at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Andreeva beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-4 6-3 in the final to clinch her second straight WTA 1000 title after winning the Dubai Championship last month.

Andreeva said in an interview with Tennis Channel on Monday that she had taken James' comments to heart.

"He was saying that even if you don't play 100% or even if you don't feel 100% physically, I'm going to choose to be 100% mentally," she said.

"He said that's what makes us champions, so I kind of tried to do the same."

James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer and four-times champion, congratulated the 17-year-old on her win and urged her to keep going.

"Congratulations! Happy to have helped," James wrote on Instagram late on Monday. "But honestly YOU did THAT!! All your hard work, drive, and dedication toward your craft. KEEP GOING! strive for greatness."