Novak Djokovic Set to Return to Indian Wells After 5-Year Absence
In a significant comeback, Novak Djokovic is gearing up to participate in the BNP Paribas Open, marking his first appearance at the prestigious event in five years. The world’s top-ranked male player’s last presence at Indian Wells dates back to 2019, where he was ousted in the third round. His absence in the subsequent years was attributed to his non-vaccination against COVID-19, a requirement for noncitizen visitors to the U.S. until the spring of the previous year.
Djokovic’s history at Indian Wells is illustrious, having clinched the title five times in the past, triumphing in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. His return is anticipated with fervor as fans eagerly await his bid for a record-breaking sixth championship in the Southern California desert.
Joining Djokovic in the lineup is fellow tennis titan Rafael Nadal, a three-time winner at Indian Wells. Nadal’s absence from last year’s event was due to injury, a setback that also forced him to miss the Australian Open earlier this year. With his return, the tournament promises to be even more thrilling, as two of the sport’s most dominant forces vie for supremacy on the court.
Scheduled to take place from March 3rd to 17th, the BNP Paribas Open is set to showcase an electrifying blend of talent from both the ATP and WTA tours. Reigning women’s champion Iga Swiatek, fresh off her title victory in 2022, is poised to defend her crown after reaching the semifinals in last year’s edition of the tournament.
Among the returning champions is Carlos Alcaraz, who made history by clinching the title without dropping a set, a feat last achieved by Roger Federer in 2017. Elena Rybakina, the defending women’s champion, will also be back to defend her title and continue her quest for success on the Indian Wells courts.
The event boasts an impressive lineup of Australian Open victors, including Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, the latter having reached the final in the desert last year. Additionally, past champions such as Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev, along with top-ranked players like Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, and Andy Murray, are set to grace the courts with their formidable presence.
On the women’s side, a star-studded cast awaits, featuring the likes of Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, and Australian Open runner-up Qinwen Zheng. Notable contenders such as Maria Sakkari, Ons Jabeur, Marketa Vondrousova, and Karolina Muchova add further excitement to the highly anticipated tournament.
As anticipation builds for the return of Djokovic and Nadal to Indian Wells, tennis enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the unfolding drama and excitement that the prestigious event is sure to deliver.
For More Related Updates Please Visit Our Official Website
By- Sahiba Suri