Djokovic and Nadal return, Gauff carries US flag at Indian Wells

LOS ANGELES : Novak Djokovic returns to Indian Wells for the first time in five years seeking a record sixth title while Coco Gauff looks to become the first U.S. woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2001 when main-draw action begins on Wednesday.

The Serbian winner of 24 Grand Slam titles hasn't competed at the BNP Paribas Open since 2019 due to U.S. travel restrictions related to COVID-19. But he has looked relaxed in Southern California the past few weeks, catching Lakers and LA Galaxy games and training at UCLA.

Feeling no pressure could make Djokovic even more lethal, said Paul Annacone, who coached Roger Federer and Pete Sampras and is a commentator with Tennis Channel.

"With some people you can say relaxation can lead to complacency but not for him, not with his personality and his desire to compete," Annacone told Reuters.

"Relaxation for Novak should lead to more joy, which should mean more fun. And joy and fun with that great talent tends to equal winning."

Also back after missing last year's event is Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles and three Indian Wells crowns.

The Spaniard has suggested that his career might be coming to a close and said he just wants to negotiate the desert event "unscathed" so he stays healthy for the clay court season.

Nadal returned to competition in Brisbane in January after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury, but had to miss the Australian Open with another muscle tear.

Meanwhile the next generation continues to make inroads.

A successful title defense for Carlos Alcaraz would provide a huge boost in confidence for Nadal's 20-year-old compatriot.

"To go back-to-back would be spectacular," Annacone said.

A title at the event sometimes nicknamed the "fifth