Novak Djokovic will make his return to action in Indian Wells having suffered a shock defeat recently.
The Serbian star began the year with an impressive run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open, where Djokovic retired injured against Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic was expected to miss months of action with injury, but made a quick recovery, returning to the court in the Middle East.
He was unsuccessful on his return, however, as Djokovic lost to Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Qatar Open, 6-7, 2-6.
The 37-year-old was handed a boost ahead of his trip to America, as Andy Murray returned to Djokovic’s coaching set-up, having skipped the tournament in Doha.
Djokovic is set to kick off his Indian Wells campaign on Saturday, as three former American ATP stars predict how the 24-time Major champion will perform at the year’s first Masters 1000 event.
Sam Querrey and John Isner predict Novak Djokovic to reach the semi-finals of Indian Wells
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Sam Querrey shared his thoughts on the Serb’s chances in California.
“Big commitment from [Andy] Murray to come over to the States for a month,” he said.
“That partnership aside I don’t think has much bearing on Novak’s results.
“I like Novak in this tournament to make a run.
“He hasn’t played [Indian Wells] a lot, I think he wants to show the people here that he’s got one run left in him at Indian Wells.
“He did miss it for five or six years, so I think he’s excited to be here.
“I like Novak, I have him penciled in for the semi-finals.”
Querrey’s co-host, Jack Sock agreed, as he suggested the changes to the courts at Indian Wells could work in Djokovic’s favor.
“I think if this surface change is true and accurate, and the courts are a bit quicker, that makes me want to bet on him more,” he said.
“Then if he plays [Carlos] Alcaraz or some of these guys who hit heavy balls and run down everything, I think the faster the courts the better for him as he can neutralize and play a bit more offensively, which he’s going to have to do against some of these young bucks out there.
“So if that’s true I like Novak to make a run as well.”
Former Indian Wells finalist John Isner also predicted Djokovic to make a deep run in California.
“I’m with you guys,” he said.
“I think he is going to be a force there and I think, he’s not a top-four seed, but we could see him in the semi-finals and he’s going to give himself a good chance to do well.”
How has Novak Djokovic performed at Indian Wells in his career so far?
Five times a champion, no player has enjoyed more success at Indian Wells than Djokovic, who remarkably won three titles in a row between 2014 and 2016.
- 2008 (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Mardy Fish
- 2011 (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal
- 2014 (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer
- 2015 (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer
- 2016 (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Milos Raonic
He’s struggled since, however, winning just a handful of matches at the event since clinching his fifth title nine years ago.
| Year | Round lost in | Opponent | Score |
| 2024 | 3R | Luca Nardi | 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 |
| 2023 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 3R | Philipp Kohlschreiber | 4-6, 4-6 |
| 2018 | 2R | Taro Daniel | |
| 2017 | 4R | Nick Kyrgios | 4-6, 6-7 |
After a four-year absence, Djokovic returned in 2024 winning his opening match against Aleksandar Vukic in three sets.
His run ended abruptly in the third round, as Djokovic lost to Luca Nardi, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, as he shockingly fell to defeat against the world number 123.
Djokovic will no doubt hope for a better performance this time around when he takes on Dutch star Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round on Saturday, March 8.
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