Indian Wells return looms for Novak Djokovic in 'favourite' ATP Masters tournament: "It has been five years way too long"

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.

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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.

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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.