Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after failing to ensure special permission to enter the United States.
As reported by BBC News, the 35-year-old tennis star - who is currently world number one - applied for special permission to enter the US because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19.
Only international visitors vaccinated against the virus are allowed to enter the country, but Djokovic has rejected getting any of the available jabs.
While the rules were predicted to conclude next month, the athlete had hoped that he would be made an exception, however, he has now dropped out as the tournament will begin on Wednesday.
The tournament took to their social media to announce the withdrawal news, writing: "World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field."
Many of Djokovic's supporters have shared their reactions to the upsetting news, with one user stating: "A big loss for both Indian Wells and Miami. You always want the world No. 1 at your events."
Another commented: "So the tournament has basically lost all of its prestige over the last two years."
A third remarked: "Tennis paradise??? Number 1 player isn’t allowed to play?"
A fourth person shared: "I don’t understand why we are still abiding by this law. It’s been 3 years. It’s shameful and embarrassing that he can’t play in the US. Let him play!"
Djokovic’s resistance to being vaccinated resulted in him missing six important tournaments last season, including the Australian Open and US Open.
The athlete also caused controversy within the sports world after he said that he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a Covid-19 vaccination, as stated by BBC News.
However, he was allowed to travel to Melbourne in January and triumphed in a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, tying Rafael Nadal's men's record of 22 Grand Slam wins.
Before he withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open, he had received support from the US Open and the United States Tennis Association.
The US Open shared a statement on Twitter that read: "Novak Djokovic is one (of) 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."
After losing to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of the ATP event in Dubai last week, Djokovic is set to return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters beginning on April 9.