World No. 1 Novak Djokovic withdraws from BNP Paribas Open

Tennis great Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the first and only Fall-edition of the BNP Paribas Open, scheduled to be played October 4-17 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The announcement came via Twitter on Wednesday, just days ahead of the tournament's start.

I am sorry I won’t get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favourite place to go. I hope to see you next year! @BNPPARIBASOPEN

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 29, 2021

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from #BNPPO21. pic.twitter.com/qU6HV10pKa

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) September 29, 2021

Visit our BNP Paribas Open section for full coverage of the tournament

Two days ago, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player Ash Barty withdrew from 2021 BNP Paribas Open. No reason was given for Barty's decision to not play.

It was just a week ago that 2018 BNP Paribas Open champion Naomi Osaka pulled out of this year's tournament. There has been no reason listed for Osaka's withdrawal from the tournament, however, many expected the announcement after she indicated following her U.S. Open loss this month that she planned to take another extended break from tennis.

Osaka, 23, is a four-time Grand Slam champion who has been ranked No. 1 and is currently No. 8. She last played at the U.S. Open, where her title defense ended with a third-round loss to eventual runner-up Leylah Fernandez on Sept. 3.

After that defeat, Osaka said: “I honestly don’t know when I’m going to play my next tennis match.”

Updated list of stars missing October's unprecedented @BNPPARIBASOPEN. Injuries and fatigue both factor.

Djokovic - no reason given
Federer - knee
Nadal - foot
Thiem - wrist

Serena - hamstring
Venus - leg
Osaka - mental health
Barty - no reason given@KESQ @baileyarredondo

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) September 29, 2021

On Tuesday, the tournament directors announced the addition of 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who was awarded a wild card into the tournament, calling it "A desert debut you won't want to miss."

News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur will have full coverage of the announcement and the reaction on News Channel 3 starting at 5:00.

Check Out This Year's Full List of Players

The 2021 BNP Paribas Open will be played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden from Oct 4. to Oct. 17.

Everyone attending the tournament at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will be required to provide proof of vaccination.

For tickets, visit bnpparibasopen.com/tickets/