Tennis fans are thrilled for the return of Indian Wells, one of the most prestigious tournaments on tour. After the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the BNP Paribas Open will be played this year from October 4-17 instead of the usual date in March.
This year, many people are expecting to see US Open champions Emma Raducanu, who received a wild-card to play, and Daniil Medvedev, world No. 2. But they aren’t the only talented players to watch. World. No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas and defending champion Bianca Andreescu will also play in the tournament.
However, there is a name that always causes expectation: Novak Djokovic. The world. No. 1, 20 time Grand Slam champion has been going through a recovery process, after losing the US Open 2021 final. He didn’t play in the Laver Cup and many people wonder if he will be in California. Here, check out the answer.
Is Novak Djokovic playing Indian Wells 2021?
Novak Djokovic is still taking some time off after competing in the fourth majors and almost winning the calendar Grand Slam, so he won’t be playing at the BNP Paribas Open 2021, announced the tournament on Twitter.
“We are disappointed that Novak will not be able to join us at the BNP Paribas Open this fall,” said Tommy Haas, Tournament Director of Indian Wells. “We hope to see him back in Tennis Paradise next March to contend for a record-setting sixth title in the desert."
Meanwhile, Djokovic, a five-time champions in Indian Wells, also used his Twitter account to tell fans how he felt after withdrawing from the tournament. “I am sorry I won’t get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favourite place to go. I hope to see you next year!” This year, the Serbian have played 50 matches, with a season record of 44-6, in a span of 10 tournaments.
