Will Novak Djokovic be able to make his return to the United States at the Indian Wells Masters? That is the big question the entire tennis world is waiting for the answer to.
The world No 1 is still unvaccinated and cannot enter the US without a special exemption, and the clock is ticking as the start of the tournament creeps ever closer.
Djokovic’s old rival Rafael Nadal is definitely out of Indian Wells due to injury, but fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz could play despite a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev might just be the man to beat as he heads to Indian Wells on a three-tournament win streak.
Read on as SBOTOP delivers the latest Indian Wells Masters 2023 news just days before the start of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic still not cleared for US return
Novak Djokovic is in danger of missing out on the big US-based tournaments for the second year in a row.
The world No 1 was unable to take part in Indian Wells, the Miami Masters, and the US Open last year due to his unvaccinated status. And with the US still not allowing unvaccinated international travellers from entering the country, Djokovic’s status for those tournaments remains in doubt.
Djokovic, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, has submitted a petition to gain special permission to enter the country, although he is still awaiting a decision from the authorities.
The Indian Wells Masters draw is set to be held on Monday, which means Djokovic has only until Sunday to withdraw from the tournament.
“Whatever the decision is before the draw, if I’m not allowed, I’m going to pull out, of course, before the draw,” Djokovic said.
The US Open and US Tennis Association have both publicly backed Djokovic’s petition to be granted special permission to play in the upcoming tournaments in the country.
“Novak Djokovic is one 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,” the US Open posted on its Twitter account.
Rafael Nadal out, Carlos Alcaraz still ailing
As the tennis world awaits whether Djokovic will be able to play at Indian Wells, Djoker’s old rival Rafael Nadal is definitely out of the tournament.
The Spanish superstar withdrew last month as he continues to deal with the hip injury he suffered in the Australian Open.
Due to Nadal’s absence at Indian Wells, he is set to fall out of the top 10 in the ATP Tour rankings for the first time in 2005 – an incredible 912-week run that is by far the longest top 10 streak in men’s tennis history.
Jimmy Connors is a distant second with 789 straight weeks in the top 10, while Roger Federer is third with 742 consecutive weeks.
Meanwhile, Nadal’s Spanish compatriot Carlos Alcaraz is hoping to compete at Indian Wells despite not being completely fit.
After losing in the final of the Rio Open to Cameron Norrie, the 20-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Mexican Open in Acapulco due to a hamstring injury.
Alcaraz stayed in Acapulco to undergo rehab on his injured hamstring as he tries to be in the best shape possible to play at the Indian Wells Masters.
Daniil Medvedev dominating hard-court
With Djokovic possibly unable to play, Nadal out, and Alcaraz not 100 per cent, Daniil Medvedev’s Indian Wells 2023 betting odds of winning are suddenly looking good.
The Russian has been on an impressive run this year as he’s won three hard-court titles in the last three weeks.
After prevailing in Rotterdam and Doha, Medvedev beat compatriot Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-2 in the final in Dubai to seal his hat-trick of hard-court titles. He also defeated Djokovic in straight sets in the semi-finals to hand Djokovic his first defeat of the season.
Medvedev will now head into the Indian Wells Masters high on confidence amid his recent win streak. Although it remains to be seen what part fatigue will play in Medvedev’s hopes of claiming the title at Indian Wells.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE TENNIS STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
