Now Novak enters draw ... but can’t enter USA!

NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S hopes of building up any momentum after his Australian Open debacle look set to be dashed, even though he is on the entry list for next month’s BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Contrary to what some have said, the 34-year-old Serb is still allowed to play at next month’s prestigious event in California. The tournament follows tour protocols, which have held back from compulsory jabs. However, it is entering the United States which is hugely problematic for him if he continues his stance of refusing to get vaccinated. A cagey tournament press release buried the fact that he had entered, while emphasising others such as Rafael Nadal. Getting on a flight to the USA is very difficult if unvaccinated. Exceptions are limited to a few categories, such as a ‘humanitarian or emergency exemption’ or persons whose presence is in the ‘national interest’. Therefore it remains unclear where he might play after this month’s appearance at the Dubai Championships. Djokovic has yet to make any substantial comment on what happened in Australia, although he has pledged that he will do so before he next appears on tour. The vacuum has been filled by various rumours around whether he might put an end the whole saga by getting vaccinated. According to one well-informed source he has been seriously considering that course of action, having watched Nadal overtake his tally of Grand Slam titles in Melbourne. Djokovic will be joined in Dubai by Andy Murray, who has secured a wildcard into the main draw. Murray last night went down 6-3, 6-4 to world No 9 Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round of the ATP event in Rotterdam. The Canadian now meets British No 1 Cam Norrie in the quarter-finals.