Novak Djokovic could break Roger Federer record thanks to Rafael Nadal withdrawal
ATPSaturday, 09 March 2024 at 05:00
World number one Novak Djokovic has
received a major boost after the withdrawal of the Spain’s legendary tennis
star Rafael Nadal from the Indian Wells.
The mega-event has already begun
in California where players from all over the world are battling it out to
secure the ultimate prize.
On Thursday, Nadal, who recently came
back from a lengthy injury layoff, announced in a detailed post on social media
platform X — previously known as Twitter — that he will not take part in the
competition.
"It is with great sadness
that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells," Nadal
wrote. "Everyone knows how much I love this place… I have been working
hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t
find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.”
The development became a big
boost for Djokovic as he is now the only player in the competition who can take
a shot at overtaking the former world number one Roger Federer’s record at Indian Wells.
As things stand, both
Nadal and Djokovic have won the title five times, equal to what Federer
achieved in his career. Since the former is not taking part in the competition,
Djokovic now has the chance to become the first player to lift the Indian Wells
title six times.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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AceOfBase12-09-2026
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