"I'm really looking forward to coming back," Novak Djokovic on returning to Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic will be back at the Indian Wells Open after a span of five years. He last featured in the tournament in 2019, as the tournament was cancelled in 2020 owing to covid -19. He was unable to participate in the tournament in the last three years owing to covid-19 vaccination requirements.

He first won the tournament in 2008, and has won the tournament on four occasions. The Serbian last competed at the Australian Open, where he was defeated in the semifinals by Jannik Sinner who went on to claim the title. The veteran is excited to return at the tournament, where Rafael Nadal is also expected to play.

"It has been five years, way too long to not be part of the Tennis Paradise tournament, one of the best tournaments in the world without a doubt," Djokovic said in a video from the small, picturesque city in the Southern California desert.

"It's probably the favorite Masters tournament of so many players including myself. I can't wait to come and perform once again in front of some of the best tennis fans that we have on the tour."