Novak Djokovic: Why Indian Wells withdrawal could help world No. 1 achieve rare tennis feat

Novak Djokovic’s absence from the Sunshine Swing could yet prove a blessing in disguise, claims Eurosport expert Mats Wilander. On Monday it was confirmed that the Serb would miss Indian Wells – and likely the Miami Open — in another twist to the saga around his vaccination status. Ad It means the 35-year-old can effectively start preparing for the clay-court season and Roland-Garros, where he will aim to surpass Rafael Nadal in the all-time men’s standings with his 23rd Grand Slam title, and continue his hunt for the Calendar Grand Slam.

Roland-GarrosWilander names Nadal’s 'biggest enemy' – and it’s not a player21 HOURS AGO Only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) have won all four slams – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – in a single calendar year. Djokovic came closest to joining the elite club in 2021, when he won the first three majors before losing in the US Open final. He is, however, the only player to complete the non-calendar Grand Slam across three different surfaces.

And Wilander believes that his absence from the prestigious American tournaments on the west and east coasts respectively could help him in his bid to achieve the Calendar Slam. Djokovic won the first major of 2023 — the Australian Open — in January despite being hampered by injury. Djokovic 'always going to be favourite', can 'overcome almost anything' – Evert exclusive Murray's 800-win goal: How realistic is it? And how long could it take? “He can be fresh for the clay-court season, he can be more fresh for the French Open,” Wilander told Eurosport's Arnold Montgault.

“He's already No. 1 in the world. He's already broken all the records when it comes to No.