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Grigor Dimitrov Joao Sousa Make Big Moves in the Indian Wells Draw Following the Withdrawal of Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic pulls out of the ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells and the ATP Masters 1000 Maimi after being denied entry to the United States of America. The step comes in after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ruled that the Serbian cannot enter the USA without being vaccinated. Djokovic has just played one tournament since the start of this season. Following this withdrawal, the former World No. 1 is now expected to make a comeback only on the clay courts.
Following the withdrawal of Novak Djokovic, what are the changes in the Indian Wells Draw?
Major movers in the Indian Wells Draw
Even though Novak seems disappointed with his withdrawal, that is not the case with Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian, who was initially placed in the draw as an unseeded player, is now the 33rd seed and will replace Djokovic in the bottom spot of the draw. Moreover, Dimitrov, who initially had to start his tournament campaign from the first round, has been given a first-round bye, following which he will start his Indian Wells campaign from the second round. In the second round, he will face the winner of David Goffin and Jordan Thompson.
Sep 1, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria hits a shot against Alexei Popyrin of Australia in a second round match on day three of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Following Dimitrov’s move, qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin has now been placed at Dimitrov’s initial position in the draw. He will start his campaign facing World No. 39, American player Tommy Paul. The winner of the two will face the 3rd seeded Alexander Zverev in the second round.
Djokovic’s withdrawal has not just benefitted Grigor Dimitrov but also the World No. 85, Joao Sousa. The Portuguese has entered the main draw as the lucky loser and will start his tournament campaign against Spain’s Pedro Martinez. The winner of the two will face the 12th seeded Cameron Norrie in the second round of the tournament.
How has the vaccination stand of Novak Djokovic affected him?
Novak Djokovic has been firm on his stand of not getting vaccinated. In a recent interview, the Serbian also asserted that he is willing to give up on tournaments for his stand. The 20-time Grand Slam champion faced a mighty issue in Melbourne at the start of the year. Novak, who arrived in Melbourne to defend his Australian Open title, was not only pulled out from the grand slam but also deported from the country following his vaccination status.
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic rests at Melbourne Park as questions remain over the legal battle regarding his visa to play in the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 13, 2022. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Facing a delay in the start of the season, Djokovic finally kicked off his 2022 season in Dubai, eyeing his 6th title. However, his run came to a halt when he faced a quarterfinal loss to qualifier Jiri Vesely. Hoping to get back in form, the player next entered the Indian Wells and Miami. However, following his vaccination, Novak was again denied entry to the country.
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The post Grigor Dimitrov Joao Sousa Make Big Moves in the Indian Wells Draw Following the Withdrawal of Novak Djokovic appeared first on EssentiallySports.
