© Getty Images Sport – Adam Pretty
The Indian Wells Masters has officially confirmed Novak Djokovic as a participant in this year’s tournament edition.
Djokovic, a five-time Indian Wells champion, hasn’t played in the desert since 2019. In 2020, Djokovic didn’t play in Indian Wells because the tournament wasn’t held due to the pandemic, while in 2021 – the year in which Indian Wells took place in October – the Serb decided to skip the tournament.
When announcing his 2021 Indian Wells withdrawal, Djokovic said he was hoping to return to the tournament in 2022. But Djokovic ended up missing the 2022 and 2023 Indian Wells Masters editions because he wasn’t allowed to enter the United States as an unvaccinated foreigner.
Last May, the US authorities made certain changes in their vaccine policy and after returning to the US Open half a year ago, Djokovic is also set to return to Indian Wells this March.
“A welcome return to #TennisParadise. @DjokerNole will compete in Indian Wells for the first time since 2019!” Indian Wells announced.
A welcome return to #TennisParadise 😀@DjokerNole will compete in Indian Wells for the first time since 2019! pic.twitter.com/i9YIo4wJTc
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) February 4, 2024
A familiar sight 🏆
