From March 7 to 20, the first ATP Masters of the Year will be played in Indian Wells. As an important event after the four Grand Slams, the Indian Wells tournament is known as the fifth Grand Slam in tennis. On February 9, local time, Indian Wells officially released this year's participation requirements, and the world's first Djokovic is likely to miss the event.
The event has officially announced that health and safety are the top priority of this year's event, so the event requires that only after vaccination can you participate in the competition of this tournament. This is undoubtedly another huge blow for Djokovic, who is likely to miss the opportunity to participate in major events again because of vaccine problems.
In the official promotional poster released by the tournament, Djokovic did not appear, and in the C position was Nadal, who had just won the 21st Grand Slam title. In the propaganda announcement, Nadal also occupies a lot of space.
Three-time champion Nadal, who will play at Indian Wells Gardens for the first time since March 2019, missed the 2021 event due to injury. At the Australian Open, ATP-ranked No. 5 Nadal won the title with a staggering result, winning his 21st career Grand Slam title. Afterwards he will return to tennis heaven. All eyes are on Nadal, the fan's favourite Spaniard hoping to replicate his success with a fourth Indian Wells title. ”
In the promotional press release, djokovic was mentioned in only one sentence, "Djokovic, who is ranked first in the world and has won the Indian Wells Masters championship five times, also appears on the list." ”
Indian Wells is one of Djokovic's favourites, having won the race five times, including a three-game winning streak. If he can't compete this year because of vaccines, he's likely to lose his world number one after Indian Wells.