Novak Djokovic is searching for a record sixth title at Indian Wells, having enjoyed real success in California during his career.
The Serbian ATP star has traveled to the United States searching for a first tour-level title of 2025, after suffering a shock defeat recently.
Djokovic lost to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in his opening match at the Qatar Open, 6-7, 2-6, in just his third tournament appearance of the season.
At the Australian Open, Djokovic retired with an injury during his semi-final match with world number two Alexander Zverev, having pulled off an impressive victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round.
Now fully fit, Djokovic will work alongside Andy Murray in California, as the Grand Slam-winning pairing looks to return to form at Indian Wells.
Ahead of his opening match against Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic has received a significant confidence boost after beating a former world number three in a practice set.
Novak Djokovic dominated Grigor Dimitrov in a practice set ahead of the Indian Wells tournament
Looking to get some good practice in, Djokovic took on world number 15 Grigor Dimitrov in a practice set.
Dimitrov and Djokovic held serve initially, before the 37-year-old broke when a backhand from the Bulgarian went long at 30-40, in the third game.
An error from Dimitrov in his next service game handed Djokovic a double break, as he stormed into a 4-1 lead.
Djokovic held his serve before two double faults from Dimitrov in his final service game saw the Serb take the set 6-1.
The world number seven’s level looked strong, as he thoroughly outplayed the 2017 ATP Finals champion.
Only time will tell if Djokovic can maintain his level when he takes on Van de Zandschulp in the Indian Wells second round on Saturday, March 8.
Grigor Dimitrov’s 2025 struggles continue with practice set defeat to Novak Djokovic
The 33-year-old enjoyed a strong season in 2024, as Dimitrov won his first ATP title in seven years at the Brisbane International, finishing the year ranked inside the world’s top ten.
The Bulgarian returned to the event this year looking to defend his title but was unable to do so, as he retired during the second set of his semi-final match with Jiri Lehecka.
Dimitrov has struggled for form since, losing his last three matches on the ATP Tour, as his injury issues persist.
- 2025 Australian Open (R128) – Grigor Dimitrov lost to Francesco Passaro, 5-7, 1-2 (RET)
- 2025 Qatar Open (R32) – Grigor Dimitrov lost to Jiri Lehecka, 4-6, 4-6
- 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships (R32) Grigor Dimitrov lost to Christopher O’Connell, 0-6 (RET)
Currently ranked 15th in the world, Dimitrov could potentially fall outside of the world’s top 20 upon the conclusion of this year’s ‘Sunshine Double’, thanks to his performances at the events in 2024.
Dimitrov reached the final of the Miami Open last year, losing out to Jannik Sinner in straight sets, 3-6, 1-6.
He is set to begin his Indian Wells campaign against Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who won their only previous meeting at last year’s Australian Open.
If he were to advance past Borges, he’d face a tough challenge against either Gael Monfils or Sebastian Korda in the third round.
Winning back-to-back matches for just the second time this season would likely set up a mouth-watering last-16 clash with two-time defending champion Alcaraz.
Dimitrov won’t want to get too far ahead of himself, however, as he first sets his sights on Borges, who he plays on Saturday, March 8.
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