Novak Djokovic Set For Indian Wells Return After 5 Years, Rafael Nadal Features On Entry List

09.02.2024 - 11:47 sports.ndtv.com

In an attempt to capture a record-tying sixth title in the Indian Wells, World No. 1 and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will return a return in BNP Paribas Open after a five-year hiatus.

The five-time champion (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016) owns a tournament-record 20 consecutive match victories from his three-peat from 2014-2016.

This week, the BNP Paribas Open revealed its player entry lists. The 2024 BNP Paribas Open, which will take place from March 3 to 17 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, features a star-studded field of former Indian Wells champions and up-and-coming talents.

Djokovic last feature at Indian Wells in 2019 ended with a third-round exit. After losing in the Australian Open sooner than anticipated, World No.

tennis on Rafael Nadal Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner Novak Djokovic Australia India county Wells

World number two Carlos Alcaraz says the ankle sprain that forced him out of the ATP Rio Open will sideline him for "a few days" but he'll be ready for his Indian Wells title defense after an exhibition against Rafael Nadal in Las Vegas. "I just had an MRI on my ankle after yesterday's injury," Alcaraz wrote on Instagram. "After the meeting with my doctor and my physiotherapists the diagnosis is a grade II lateral sprain. "I have a sprain that will keep me out for a few days! See you in Las Vegas and Indian Wells!"

Djokovic headlines Miami Open entry list

Novak Djokovic is set to return to the Miami Open next month after a five-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and U.S. travel restrictions, after being included on the entry list released by tournament organisers on Wednesday.

Roger Federer Or Novak Djokovic? Rafael Nadal Has A Clear Pick For 'Best Player In History'

Rafael Nadal on Wednesday hailed longtime rival Novak Djokovic as the best player in the history of the sport. "The numbers say yes, for me yes (he is the best in history)," Nadal said in an interview with El Objective de La Sexta when asked "who is the best?" Djokovic has 24 Grand Slam titles having surpassed Nadal's 22 when he captured last year's French Open. Despite that success, the controversial world number one from Serbia still struggles to translate his on-court triumphs into off-court popularity.

Nadal says Djokovic ‘best player in history’

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts after winning a game during his men’s singles quarter-final match against Denmark’s Holger Rune on day five of the Paris ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament at the Accor Arena – Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy – in Paris on November 3, 2023. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)

Rafael Nadal Puts Return On Ice, Admits "Not Ready To Compete"

Rafael Nadal on Wednesday was forced to shelve his plans to return to action at next week's Qatar Open, admitting he is "not ready to compete". The 37-year-old missed most of last year with a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open before making his comeback at last month's Brisbane International. However, a small muscle tear then forced the 37-year-old to pull out of this season's first Grand Slam in Melbourne. The 22-time Grand Slam title winner now hopes to return to the tour at the Indian Wells Masters in California from March 6-17.

Rafa Nadal not yet ready to return after hip injury

Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from next week's Qatar Open after announcing he is "not ready to compete".