He has formally withdrawn from the draw for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, match officers mentioned Sunday, a sign that the world No. 1’s utility for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter the U.S. may need failed.

U.S. Journey Affiliation President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the next assertion on information of the withdrawal of tennis champion Novak Djokovic from collaborating in an upcoming U.S. match:

“America’s outdated vaccine coverage for worldwide guests is an unforced error that’s contributing to an $80 billion loss in international traveler spending.”

“Novak Djokovic is merely one among hundreds of thousands deterred from visiting america as a consequence of a well-intended however antiquated coverage. It’s properly previous time for america to affix with its friends in Europe, Australia and elsewhere and take away pandemic vaccine necessities for our inbound vacationers.”

Djokovic has held the highest place for a file whole 379 weeks, ending because the year-end No. 1 an Open Period file seven instances. He’s unvaccinated in opposition to COVID-19 and utilized to the U.S. authorities final month for particular permission to play on the ATP Masters occasions at Indian Wells and Miami.

Play within the mixed ATP-WTA occasion begins Wednesday at Indian Wells Tennis Backyard and runs via March 19. The draw is Monday. The U.S. is ending its COVID-19 emergency declaration on Could 11, which is able to permit international air vacationers to enter the nation with out being vaccinated.

Regardless of Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and fellow Florida Senator Marco Rubio writing a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden urging him to grant the request, Homeland Safety has rejected Djokovic’s vaccine waiver request. It seems this was two months too early for America to make an exception.