LOS ANGELES – Novak Djokovic said on Feb 27 that he was excited to be back in Indian Wells to compete there for the first time since 2019, after Covid-19 travel restrictions had kept him away.
The world No. 1 is seeking an unprecedented sixth title at the Masters 1000 event that begins next week and is regarded as the biggest tennis tournament outside of the four Grand Slams.
“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,” he said in a video from the picturesque city in the southern California desert.
“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 on the tour.”
The Serb won the first of his 24 Grand Slams at the Australian Open in 2008 and backed that up a few months later by capturing his first Indian Wells crown.
“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,” the 36-year-old added.
“I was fortunate to win the tournament another four times and played some epic matches in the finals against (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal... I’m really looking forward to coming back.”
Three-time Indian Wells champion Nadal, a 22-time Major winner, is set to compete at the tournament after missing the Australian Open in January owing to a muscle tear.
The 2020 Indian Wells Open was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak and Djokovic missed the next three editions as the United States did not allow unvaccinated foreigners to enter the country.
It was clear that he was enjoying himself ahead of the tournament, as he was spotted in Los Angeles on Feb 25 watching fellow sporting great Lionel Messi scoring a late equaliser for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy.
Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina are the defending champions at this edition of the Indian Wells Open, which runs from March 6 to 17. REUTERS
