Novak Djokovic hasn’t won Indian Wells since 2016.
Looking for his first title in 10 years, the Serb has travelled to California as the number-three seed.
He’ll receive a bye into round two, where he will meet either Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Kamil Majchrzak.
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It’s in round three, though, that former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski believes Djokovic could be in trouble…
Greg Rusedski warns Novak Djokovic about ‘danger man’ Hubert Hurkacz
During the latest episode of ‘Off Court Cuts‘, Rusedski previewed Djokovic’s Indian Wells draw.
“That’s intriguing for me, because he has [Giovanni] Mpetshi Perricard, possibly, in the second round,” said Rusedski.
“He’s just hired a new coach by the name of Francisco Roig, who worked with a certain Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu, so if he gets by that, that’s not a nice opener for [Novak] Djokovic, having to deal with that massive serve, if that happens.
“On top of that, my danger man is in that section; nobody has been talking about Hubi Hurkacz, he’s playing some good tennis, lost to [Jakub] Mensik a couple of times.
“I think he’s the guy who Djokovic is going to face in the third round. We’re going to find out where Novak is, because he’s had a lot of time out, but don’t discount a great champion.”
Rusedski has been impressed by Hurkacz this year, although his recent form leaves a lot to be desired.
Since winning four of his five matches at the United Cup in January, the Pole has only picked up one win (Australian Open 1R vs Zizou Bergs).
And he has a poor record against Djokovic, losing all eight of their ATP Tour meetings.
Novak Djokovic and Hubert Hurkacz’s head-to-head record (8-0)
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2025 Geneva Open – F | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 5-7, 7-6, 7-6 |
| 2023 ATP Finals – RR | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 7-6, 4-6, 6-1 |
| 2023 Wimbledon – 4R | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 7-6, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 |
| 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships – QF | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 6-3, 7-5 |
| 2022 Madrid Open – QF | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2021 Paris Masters – SF | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 |
| 2019 Wimbledon – 3R | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 7-5, 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 |
| 2019 French Open – 1R | Novak Djokovic | Hubert Hurkacz | 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 |
The numbers certainly don’t point to Hurkacz pulling off an upset, but Rusedski has clearly seen something.
There’s work to do for Hurkacz before he can dream of the third round, though.
He’ll play Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round, and then the tricky Frenchman, Corentin Moutet, in the second.
Only time will tell if Hurkacz and Djokovic will meet for a ninth time at Indian Wells.
Novak Djokovic has only won four matches in 10 years at Indian Wells
When Djokovic won his third consecutive Indian Wells title in 2016, many expected him to continue to dominate for years to come.
However, since Sunday, March 20, 2016, Djokovic has only won four matches in California.
Novak Djokovic’s record at Indian Wells since his last title (4-5)
- 2017 Indian Wells 2R [WIN] vs Kyle Edmund
- 2017 Indian Wells 3R [WIN] vs Juan Martin del Potro
- 2017 Indian Wells 4R [LOSS] vs Nick Kyrgios
- 2018 Indian Wells 2R [LOSS] vs Taro Daniel
- 2019 Indian Wells 2R [WIN] vs Bjorn Fratangelo
- 2019 Indian Wells 3R [LOSS] vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
- 2024 Indian Wells 2R [WIN] vs Aleksandar Vukic
- 2024 Indian Wells 3R [LOSS] vs Luca Nardi
- 2025 Indian Wells 2R [LOSS] vs Botic van de Zandschulp
He skipped the event in 2021, 2022, and 2023, but didn’t fare much better when he returned.
Djokovic lost to Luca Nardi in the third round in 2024, before losing his opener to Botic van de Zandschulp last year.
For whatever reason, Djokovic doesn’t play well at Indian Wells anymore.
Should there be a fifth Grand Slam?
If so, which tournament would it be?
Is it the balls? The courts? We’re not sure…
If it is either of those, Djokovic might be in with a chance this year, as the courts have been sped up, and the balls have changed.
It remains to be seen how the 24-time Grand Slam champion will perform at Indian Wells, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
Djokovic will play Majchrzak or Mpetshi Perricard in the second round this weekend.
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