(CNN)World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this week's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, the tournament announced on Sunday, suggesting that his visa application to enter the United States had been unsuccessful.
Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against Covid-19, said last month that he had hoped for a "positive result" on being able to receive special permission to play tournaments in the US, where international visitors must be vaccinated in order to gain entry.
Georgian player Nikoloz Basilashvili has taken Djokovic's place in the draw.
Speaking to reporters on Friday after his defeat against Daniil Medvedev in Dubai, the Australian Open champion said he was "still waiting for the news from America."
He added: "If there's no America, I guess I'll play clay. Monte Carlo is probably the next tournament. If that's the case, I'll take some time off, I'll prepare."