How Novak Djokovic responded when told Indian Wells could name a stadium after him

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Novak Djokovic will continue his search for a 100th ATP Tour title at Indian Wells, having fallen well short at the Qatar Open.

Djokovic was praised for his sportsmanship after losing his round of 32 meeting with Matteo Berrettini in Qatar, where he also suffered a doubles quarter-final exit.

Serbian legend Djokovic thanked Fernando Verdasco after their doubles venture, with the latter retiring from the sport at the tournament.

Djokovic now turns his focus to Indian Wells, with the hard court ATP Masters 1000 event getting underway this week.

California’s Indian Wells Tennis Garden plays host to the iconic tournament, which coincides with a WTA 1000 event.

Novak Djokovic flattered by talk of Indian Wells naming a stadium after him in 2016

On the ATP Tour, Djokovic sits atop the pile alongside Roger Federer for most Indian Wells titles, with five each.

And after his most recent win in 2016, the Serbian was asked in his winning press conference how it felt to have talk about naming a stadium after him there.

READ MORE: Two-time Grand Slam champion officially withdraws from Indian Wells with injury

Smiling, he replied: “Well, that was very flattering, I must say. It has obviously been a great couple of weeks.

“To win this tournament five times is a fantastic achievement for my team and I. We don’t take anything for granted, especially because this tournament has been, for many, many players, a favourite tournament.

“You know, all the top players each year competing and trying to win it. It’s just behind Grand Slams in terms of organisation, the quality of facilities, the conditions.

“Players are very welcomed. The spectators are sharing their passion and love for the sport with us, and in this kind of environment you are obviously inspired to play your best.”

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz among recent Indian Wells champions

It has been some time since Djokovic last won at Indian Wells, with the icon beating Milos Raonic 6-2, 6-0 in that 2016 final.

But that was a real period of dominance from the Serbian at the event, with that success representing a third successive title.

READ MORE: Indian Wells introduces new idea before this year’s tournament designed to honour both Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek

Djokovic beat his old nemesis Federer in the 2014 and 2015 finals, with his other two titles having come in 2008 and 2011.

Federer meanwhile also won three successive titles at Indian Wells from 2004-2006, with further success arriving in 2012 and 2017.