NOVAK DJOKOVIC has withdrawn from Indian Wells after his waiver to enter the United States was denied.
The Serbian legend had applied for special permission to be allowed into the country as he is not vaccinated.
The US remain tough on laws to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and require all visitors to show proof of a jab until at least April 10.
Djokovic missed last year's US Open because of his vaccination status and as the ATP Tour heads to America again, he faces a battle with the same problem.
Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against Covid-19, applied to the US government in February for special dispensation to play at this week's event in Indian Wells and a tournament in Miami later this month.
He had hoped that he could be given a waiver to enter the US.
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However is decision to withdraw from Indian Wells suggests that bid has failed.
Djokovic, 35, has said he would rather miss vital events than get a vaccine.
Last week, he said he was "hopeful" he would be able to play in this year's US Open, as well as in Indian Wells and the Miami Masters, but this presents him with a major setback.
The row over whether to deny Djokovic entry has caused much controversy with Indian Wells director Tommy Haas previously saying that banning him would be a "disgrace".
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The Indian Wells tournament held in California is one of tennis' biggest outside of the four Grand Slams.
Djokovic has won the trophy five times before.
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The event confirmed that he has withdrawn and that Nikoloz Basilashvili has replaced him in the draw.
With 1,000 ranking points on the line, Djokovic is in danger of being caught by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fight to be world No1 ahead of the French Open.
Last year Djokovic missed the Australian Open after landing in the country hoping to enter, and ended up being deported after being held in isolation.
After the ordeal last year Down Under, the country relaxed rules this time allowing him to compete.
Djokovic won this year's Australian Open in style, dropping just one set on his route to victory.
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