Novak Djokovic has been backed to win Indian Wells over Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic is a five-time Indian Wells champion, which is equal with Roger Federer for the most ever.
However, the 24-time champion has not played since losing to Alcaraz in the Australian Open final, with Djokovic pulling out of the Qatar Open.
As Djokovic looks set to return to competition for the first ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the year at Indian Wells, former top 10 player John Isner has explained why he is backing the Serbian to take home the title.
John Isner, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson make Indian Wells predictions
Isner, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson made their Indian Wells predictions on the latest edition of the Nothing Major Podcast.
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Querrey began by backing Frances Tiafoe, who reached the Mexican Open final last week, to continue his resurgent form and have a good run at Indian Wells.
Johnson predicted Felix Auger-Aliassime to make the semifinals, while Isner suggested that Djokovic’s laid back approach to the tournament could help him win the title.
In the women’s singles draw, Querrey backed Coco Gauff, Johnson predicted Iga Swiatek to win her third title, while Isner picked Jessica Pegula to continue her strong form.
“Give me Frances Tiafoe to make a run at Indian Wells,” began Querrey. “Not to win it, but to have a run, like a quarterfinal.
“On the women’s side I will take Coco [to win]. Gritty courts, it can almost be a clay court at times. It’s high bouncing and she can hit the high looping forehands, so give me Coco on the women’s side.”
Johnson responded, “I think Felix Auger-Aliassime is going to make the semis. On the women’s side I will take Iga. I think she has had some time off, she is going to come out on these slower courts at Indian Wells and gets the job done.”
Isner added, “I am going with the GOAT. Give me Novak to take the title. He is there, he has been practicing at UCLA. He was at the Lakers game, not a worry in the world.
“He is not worried about this event. Give me Novak, two out of three, it can be done. There’s a lot of days off in this tournament. It’s not going to be physically taxing for him.
“Then give me Jess. I don’t think the surface is great for her, she prefers lower bouncing, faster surfaces, but she has a lot of confidence.”
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Who is in Novak Djokovic’s draw at Indian Wells?
Djokovic has won Indian Wells five times, but he has not surpassed the fourth round of the tournament since his last title win in 2016.
This includes losing his only match at the tournament last year, with Djokovic being stunned by Botic Van de Zandschulp.
Van de Zandschulp is unlikely to be an issue for Djokovic at Indian Wells this year, who will play either the big serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Kamil Majchrzak in his opening match.
The first seeded player Djokovic could face is Corentin Moutet, with former world number six Hubert Hurkacz also a potential third round opponent.
As the third seed, there is often a lot of attention on which side of the draw Djokovic falls on, but this time around Alcaraz is his semifinal opponent, instead of Sinner.
Djokovic and Alcaraz’s head-to-head is currently level at 5-5, but the Spaniard has won their two most recent meetings.
The main draw of Indian Wells will get underway on Wednesday, March 4, but Djokovic will not play his first round match until at least Friday.
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