WORLD number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Indian Wells this week after failing to secure special permission to enter the United States, it was reported yesterday.

Only international visitors vaccinated against Covid-19 are currently allowed to come into the US and Djokovic has refused to have any of the available jabs.

The restrictions are due to end next month, and Djokovic had hoped an exception would be made, but with the tournament beginning tomorrow he has now admitted defeat.