World number one, Novak Djokovic has been included in the list of players expected to play at the BNP Paribas Open holding at Indian Wells, California in March. But whether we would see the Serbian in action remains unclear. This is because organisers of the event have said only fully vaccinated players would be allowed to play at Indian Wells: “The BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament.”

It is looking like the Australian Open all over again, with Djokovic involved. Tennis Australia had said that only vaccinated players would be allowed to play, but Djokovic had gone ahead with an exemption, which was rejected. At the end of the day, his visa was revoked, twice, and he was deported from the country. But unlike Australia, Djokovic might not even get on a flight to the US without showing proof of vaccination.

The issue of vaccination might prove to be a big issue for Djokovic this season. As of January, before his deportation, it was confirmed that he was unvaccinated. Maybe things have changed since then. According to his biographer, Daniel Muksch, Djokovic may have gotten vaccinated upon his return to Serbia last month. Although this is still very much a rumour and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Still, getting vaccinated would do a whole lot of good for Djokovic at this point, if he intends to further his career. It is clear that major tennis events would require proof of vaccination now, meaning unvaccinated players like Djokovic might resort to either getting the vaccine or skipping events. Getting vaccinated, besides preventing the virus, would also guarantee that one can have an uninterrupted season.

Before Indian Wells, Djokovic would play in his first event of the season at the Dubai Tennis Championships, which will take place between February 21-26.

Written by: Leon Osamor