Unvaccinated World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is denied entry to US and formally withdraws from Indian Wells tournament - as American talk-show host Bill Maher calls his country 'stuck on stupid' over COVID rules Novak Djokovic will not be present at Indian Wells in California due to USA's rules Current US entry restrictions end in April, meaning he can play at the US Open Click here for all your latest international sports news from DailyMail. com By Ben Nagle and Kate Mcgreavy For Dailymail. Com Published: 03:17 GMT, 6 March 2023 | Updated: 16:46 GMT, 6 March 2023 e-mail 1. 4k shares 1. 3k View comments World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will not be compete at the Indian Wells tournament after failing to seal special permission to enter the United States. The Serbian, who is one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against the virus, applied to the US government last month for a waiver to play at ATP Masters events at Indian Wells and Miami. Current restrictions are due to end in April - leaving Djokovic free to play in this summer's US Open - but he will not be getting special treatment in his bid to enter the States early. The 22-time Grand Slam winner wanted to play the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which starts on Monday, and the Miami Open. He is currently still slated to play in the latter. Djokovic's absence from a popular tournament has sparked outrage with one calling the decision to keep out one of the best tennis players of all time 'unacceptable' and others left puzzled over the policy. Novak Djokovic will not play at Indian Wells after withdrawing from the tournament on Sunday Bill Maher on Novak Djokovic Being Banned from U. S. Matches Because of His COVID Vaccination Status "This country is stuck on stupid, it just is" @billmaher @rustyrockets pic. twitter. com/L6nuHS1iyc — Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) March 4, 2023 Djokovic's absence from a popular tournament due to USA's COVID rules has sparked outrage American comedian and talk-show host Bill Maher did not hold back in his criticism of his nation's COVID rules. 'He's unvaccinated but he's had COVID twice, natural immunity. Again something we always used to understand was like better than the actual vaccine. Somehow that got to be reversed,' he said in a panel discussion. 'The head of the Miami tournament, I read a quote and he's trying to get Djokovic in. He said: "There doesn't appear to be any imminent danger. " 'Imminent danger? Of a man playing tennis? Of a man who's had it twice? In a sport where you're alone, in the middle of a stadium where you're outside in a country where everyone's already had it. Poll DO YOU AGREE WITH DECISION TO DENY UNVACCINATED DJOKOVIC ENTRY? Yes - rules are rules No - he should play DO YOU AGREE WITH DECISION TO DENY UNVACCINATED DJOKOVIC ENTRY? Yes - rules are rules 10 votes No - he should play 56 votes Now share your opinion 'No imminent danger. This country is stuck on stupid, it just is. ' Djokovic's bid to enter the US early had even been backed by the US Open and the United States Tennis Association, who had implored the government to make an exception for the tennis great. A post from the US Open Tennis Twitter account said: 'Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. 'The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami. ' His bid for special dispensation was backed by both the US Open (above) and the USTA The Serb has just finished playing in Dubai and was ready to head to America if allowed One social media user wrote: 'Help me understand why Biden’s STILL-UNCONSTITUTIONAL VACCINE MANDATE is keeping Novak Djokovic from playing here NOW, 3 YEARS LATER? While another added: '15 Days To Slow The Spread started three years ago and we still are denying people the right to legally enter our country because they’re unvaccinated? Give me a break. ' US Senator Marsha Blackburn said on Twitter: 'Novak Djokovic has been reportedly denied entry into the US since he is unvaccinated. Didn't Joe Biden say the pandemic was over?' Djokovic's vaccination status led to him missing both the Australian Open – with him being deported from the country – and US Open last year. With vaccination against Covid-19 no longer required to enter Australia, he then successfully challenged a three-year ban on applying for a visa and was able to compete in January's Australian Open, going on to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. Last week, the 35-year-old told a press conference regarding Indian Wells and Miami: 'I'm waiting for a reply, it's not on me. I will know soon. 'Everything is in process. I'm thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament and communities for their support publicly. 'They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments. I'm very thankful for that because I have a big desire to be there, I haven't played there for a couple of years. 'I'm looking forward to a positive decision coming soon, but it's not in my hands. ' The 22-time Grand Slam winner has missed out on a host of big tournaments due to his decision to not receive the Covid-19 vaccine Share or comment on this article: Novak Djokovic WITHDRAWS from Indian Wells after last-ditch bid to enter USA unvaccinated e-mail 1. 4k shares Add comment Comments 1377 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated. View all The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Add your comment Enter your comment By posting your comment you agree to our house rules . Submit Comment Clear Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. No Yes Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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