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Novak Djokovic’s lone tournament of the year came in Dubai, where he reached the quarter-finals.
Dimitrov becomes the 33rd seed in Indian Wells
World No. 2 Novak Djokovic withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open presented by Itau on Wednesday afternoon.
“While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel,” Djokovic tweeted. “The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments.”
While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments 👊
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 9, 2022
Since Thursday’s order of play has not yet been released, Grigor Dimitrov will become the 33rd seed and be moved to the last line in the draw, Djokovic’s spot. He will play Belgian David Goffin or Australian Jordan Thompson in the second round. If the Bulgarian faces Goffin, it will be a rematch of the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals championship match.
A qualifier or lucky loser will replace Dimitrov on Line 93, where he will challenge American Tommy Paul.
The final round of BNP Paribas Open is being played on Wednesday, while main-draw action at the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the year starts Thursday in the California desert.