Novak
Djokovic returned to
Indian Wells after a five-year absence, revealing that it
is his favorite Masters 1000 event. The World No. 1 will be participating in
his second tournament of the year, following his semifinal exit at the 2024
Australian Open against eventual champion
Jannik Sinner.
The
36-year-old Djokovic has clinched the title in California on five occasions out
of his 14 appearances, achieving the 'Sunshine Double' four times by winning
Indian Wells and the
Miami Open consecutively.
However, in
the past couple of years, Djokovic has been absent from the pair of U.S.
tournaments, in 2022 and 2023, due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. In
his initial remarks upon arriving at the tournament, the 24-times Grand Slam
champion mentioned that it has been a long time since he last competed in
Indian Wells, his preferred Masters 1000 event.
“It has
been five years, way too long to not be part of the tennis paradise tournament,
one of the best tournaments in the world without a doubt.
“It’s
probably the favourite Masters tournament of so many players including myself.
I can’t wait to come and perform once again in front of some of the best tennis
fans that we have on the tour,” the 5-times Indian Wells champion said.
The Serbian
player didn't have impressive performances in his recent appearances at Indian
Wells. In 2019, holding the position of world No. 1, he exited the tournament
in the third round against Philipp Kohlschreiber.
The
preceding year, in 2018, despite being the 10th seed, he only reached the
second round and was eliminated by qualifier
Taro Daniel. In 2017, as the
second seed, Djokovic fell in the fourth round to the young
Nick Kyrgios.