Tennis icon Novak Djokovic, recently known for his opposition to vaccination, has set foot in Indian Wells, California, with renewed determination and energy. The Serbian superstar, once a world number one, is seeking redemption in a tournament that has been a challenging battleground for him in the past years.
In his quest for a sixth title at Indian Wells, Djokovic is leaving no stone unturned. Squaring up against the first rounds with a fierce intensity, the 37-year-old tennis legend is aware of the need to unleash his top-tier tennis skills right from the start. His performance at the last edition was far from impressive, marked by a tough opening match against Vukic and an unfortunate exit in the following round against Italy’s young gun, Luca Nardi.
His journey since injuring his left thigh at the Australian Open has been a rocky one. The 24-time Grand Slam champion faced an early exit at the Doha ATP 500 in February, losing to Matteo Berrettini in singles. He also participated in the doubles tournament, sharing the court with Fernando Verdasco, a long-time friend and former adversary. This tournament marked Verdasco’s final professional match, though he had officially retired in late 2023.
Upon touching down in California, Djokovic wasted no time in prepping for the tournament. He went head-to-head with Norway’s rising star, Casper Ruud, in an intensive practice session, demonstrating his robust form. The Serbian, currently sitting at world number 7, is being coached by none other than Andy Murray. The former Scottish champion has proven to be a motivating force for Djokovic, especially in this twilight phase of his career. Their successful collaboration in Australia can surely be a positive sign for the tournaments ahead.
In an amusing incident during a practice session, Djokovic’s concentration was interrupted by an adoring fan’s shout of “Djokovic I love you”. Despite being deep in focus, Djokovic responded in an amusing manner, prompting laughter from those present.
As the anticipation builds, Djokovic is slated for his debut in the season’s first Masters 1000 on Saturday, 8 March. With his renewed vigor and the support of his coach and fans, this tournament could mark a significant comeback for the Serbian legend.