Novak Djokovic says he can’t wait to play at the BNP Paribas Open in what will be his first appearance at the event since 2019.
The world No.1 has missed the past few editions of the Masters 1000 tournament which is staged in Indian Wells due to reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the event was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Djokovic was then unable to play for three years due to travel restrictions that were in place. Under an emergency health law, foreign visitors to America were required to be vaccinated against the virus and the tennis star wasn’t. He applied for special exemptions to play but was refused by authorities. These restrictions ended last year.
“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,” Djokovic said in a video posted on Tuesday.
“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.”
Djokovic is currently tied with Roger Federer for most Indian Wells titles won at five apiece. He won the trophy in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Djokovic was also runner-up in 2007 to Rafael Nadal.
“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 commented.
“I was fortunate to win the tournament another four times and played some epic matches in the finals against (Roger) Federer and (Rafa) Nadal and many of the great players in that era. I’m really looking forward to coming back.”
The 36-year-old has only played one singles tournament so far this season which was at the Australian Open where he reached the semi-finals before losing to Jannik Sinner, who went on to win the title. He also participated in the United Cup where he scored wins over Jiri Lehecka and Zhizhen Zhang.
Djokovic is seeking a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells. So far in his career, he has won 50 matches and earned more than $5M in prize money at the tournament.
