Novak Djokovic expressed his excitement at returning to Indian Wells to compete at the BNP Paribas Open for the first time in three years due to U.S. travel restrictions related to COVID-19. The world number one is aiming for a record sixth title at the prestigious Masters 1000 event, which is considered one of the biggest tournaments in tennis outside of the Grand Slams.
In a video from the Southern California desert, Djokovic shared his enthusiasm for being back at the tournament, stating, “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 favorite 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.”
Djokovic, who secured his first Indian Wells crown shortly after winning his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2008, recalled the significance of his initial victory at the tournament. “The first time I won the title in Indian Wells, it was one of the greatest titles of my career at that point. I remember I played Mardy Fish in the finals,” he reminisced.
Having won the tournament four more times and engaged in memorable finals battles with greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic expressed his anticipation for the upcoming competition. He noted, “I’m really looking forward to coming back.”
Meanwhile, three-time Indian Wells champion Nadal is poised to compete at the event after missing the recent Australian Open due to a muscle injury. The 2020 BNP Paribas Open was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and Djokovic was unable to participate in the subsequent editions as unvaccinated foreigners were prohibited from entering the United States.
During his time in Los Angeles, Djokovic was seen attending a Major League Soccer match between Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and LA Galaxy. The defending champions of this year’s BNP Paribas Open are Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina, with the tournament scheduled to run from March 3 to 17.
Novak Djokovic expressed his excitement at returning to Indian Wells to compete at the BNP Paribas Open for the first time in three years due to U.S. travel restrictions related to COVID-19. The world number one is aiming for a record sixth title at the prestigious Masters 1000 event, which is considered one of the biggest tournaments in tennis outside of the Grand Slams.
Djokovic, who secured his first Indian Wells crown shortly after winning his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2008, recalled the significance of his initial victory at the tournament. “The first time I won the title in Indian Wells, it was one of the greatest titles of my career at that point. I remember I played Mardy Fish in the finals,” he reminisced.
Having won the tournament four more times and engaged in memorable finals battles with greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic expressed his anticipation for the upcoming competition. He noted, “I’m really looking forward to coming back.”
Meanwhile, three-time Indian Wells champion Nadal is poised to compete at the event after missing the recent Australian Open due to a muscle injury. The 2020 BNP Paribas Open was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and Djokovic was unable to participate in the subsequent editions as unvaccinated foreigners were prohibited from entering the United States.
