Five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic is back in Tennis Paradise. The Serb will embrace his 16th campaign in the desert, targeting his first ATP since last year's historical triumph at the Olympic Games.
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The 37-year-old missed Indian Wells between 2020 and 2023. He returned after half a decade last year and fell to Luca Nardi in the third round after not playing at his best. It was also Novak's last tournament with Goran Ivanisevic as his coach.
The veteran hit the practice court in Indian Wells alongsideAndy Murray, with two coevals and great rivals working together during the 'Sunshine Double.'
Djokovic debuted in the desert in 2006 and reached the final a year later, falling to Rafael Nadal in straight sets. The Serb bounced back a year later and lifted a trophy at the first Masters 1000 event of the season.
Novak repeated thatin 2011 and dominated between 2014 and 2016 with three consecutive titles. However, his form declined in 2017, with three consecutive early losses. As we already said, the legend missed Indian Wells between 2020 and 2023.
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He returned last year and defeated Aleksandar Vukic in the second round. The five-time champion faced Luca Nardi in the third round and suffered a tough 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat. A qualifier stunned his idol after a fine display.
Nardi lost serve two times in the second set and provided three return games to emerge at the top and secure his career-best victory. Djokovic is eager to chase his sixth Indian Wells crown next week, although he faces a challenging draw.
The Serb could face Nick Kyrgios in the second round and Alex de Minaur in the fourth. If he passed those obstacles, Novak could arrange the quarter-final duel with world no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.
The legend is chasing his 100th ATP title, trying to become the third player to achieve that in the Open era after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
