"Every time he doesn't win, we all look at it as a failure": Novak Djokovic expectations dubbed 'outrageous' by Indian Wells chief Tommy Haas

Former world No. 2 Tommy Haas mentioned that the expectations on Novak Djokovic are "outrageous." According to the former German tennis player, every tournament that 'Nole' participates in is expected to result in him claiming the title, and it's considered a failure if he doesn't achieve it.

Djokovic is in California, ready for his first appearance at Indian Wells since 2019. The Serbian arrives as the first seed for his first tournament since his semifinal exit at the Australian Open against Jannik Sinner.

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Haas, currently the tournament director of Indian Wells, commented on Djokovic's chances in his return to the California desert and considered him the favorite to win the title: "Djokovic has had such success there; he’s coming back. I feel like every time he doesn’t win a tournament, we all look at it as a failure, right? And I hate to use that word anyway," Haas said.

“But even the semis at the Australian Open, we all look at it like, ‘Oh, he lost in the semis, he didn’t win the Australian Open.’ But you know how many people of players would love to get to a semi-final one time.”

'Nole' will have the opportunity to continue breaking records as he shares the record for the most titles at Indian Wells with Roger Federer, each holding 5 titles. However, Djokovic's last victory at Indian Wells was in 2016: “It’s really outrageous, so you can never count him out. He’s obviously always gonna be a favourite and he’s always gonna look at himself as like, the favourite to win the title,” Tommy Haas added.

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Haas gives favoritism to Sabalenka

The 45-year-old former tennis player also discussed the women's side of the draw. According to Haas, world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka has an advantage for the title due to her big, powerful game, which gives her a bit more time, especially in Indian Wells. "On the women’s side, Sabalenka, you know, she has such a big, powerful game. Gives her a little bit more time sometimes in Indian Wells too," Haas stated.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion reached the final of Indian Wells in 2023 but fell to Elena Rybakina. Tommy Haas commented that Sabalenka's strong performance in Melbourne adds credibility to the high level at which she arrives in California:

“But she moves well, she’s feeling obviously very, very good about her game — defending her title at the Australian Open. So I kind of give her the edge also going in, no matter what happens the next couple of weeks,” he concluded.