Novak Djokovic enjoyed an incredible start to his 2026 season on the ATP Tour.
In his first tournament of the year, Djokovic reached the final of the Australian Open, following a remarkable campaign.
The Serb, who will turn 39 in May, dethroned 2025 champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals at Melbourne Park, triumphing in a five-set marathon to stop the Italian from securing a three-peat.
Where does that performance rank out of Novak Djokovic’s best of all time?
Djokovic was denied a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title by Carlos Alcaraz in the final, with the Spaniard emerging victorious to become the youngest player ever to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Now, however, the 24-time major champion will have a chance to set another record in the next month.
Novak Djokovic can make history at the Indian Wells Open
On Thursday, the lineup for the first ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season in Indian Wells was announced.
It features a star-studded list of players, including Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic, with the latter looking to make history in the first leg of the ‘Sunshine Double’.
Djokovic has won the Indian Wells Open five times in his career, clinching victories in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
The only player with as many trophies won at the tournament is Roger Federer, who also completed a three-peat from 2004 to 2006, and won again in 2012 and 2017.
Serena Williams picked Roger Federer as the G.O.A.T.
Should Djokovic find a way to battle past the tough competition in Indian Wells, he will surpass Federer’s tally.
He will also break the Swiss legend’s record to become the oldest player ever to win the Indian Wells Open at 38.
Novak Djokovic’s run at last year’s edition of the Indian Wells Open
Djokovic will be looking for a much lengthier campaign at this year’s Indian Wells Open than last season’s run, which ended in disappointment.
Following a first-round exit at the Qatar Open in 2025, Djokovic was looking to bounce back in his opening match in California.
He was faced with Botic van de Zandschulp, whom he had beaten in their first meeting in Astana three years prior.
This time, however, it went the way of the Dutchman, with van de Zandschulp winning in three sets, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
Djokovic last made the final in Indian Wells back in 2016, when he won the tournament for a fifth time.
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