Novak Djokovic enters the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells stating that his recent performances prove he remains capable of competing with the best players in the world, emphasizing that he still possesses the motivation and physical readiness to pursue major titles. The Serbian tennis star said that his run at the Australian Open earlier this year reinforced his belief that he can continue playing at the highest level and remain a contender in the biggest tournaments on the ATP calendar.
Motivation and goals: Djokovic is still focused on Grand Slam success
Speaking to the media ahead of the tournament, Djokovic addressed frequent questions about the end of his career, saying that as long as he still feels the competitive drive and the ability to win major matches, he sees no reason to step away from professional tennis. He stressed that his primary focus remains on Grand Slam tournaments, while other events on the calendar are chosen more selectively depending on his preparation and physical condition.
Djokovic cited his performance in Australia as evidence that he can still challenge the sport’s top players. He highlighted a demanding five-set victory over Jannik Sinner during the tournament and said that reaching the final, where he faced Carlos Alcaraz, confirmed that he can still compete with the new generation of elite players. According to Djokovic, that experience served as personal confirmation that his level remains among the best in the sport.
Tournament draw and potential early opponent
At Indian Wells, Djokovic is seeded and therefore received a first-round bye, meaning he will begin his campaign in the second round. His first opponent will be the winner of the match between Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Kamil Majchrzak, according to the tournament draw.
Indian Wells traditionally gathers the strongest field outside the Grand Slam tournaments and is often referred to as “Tennis Paradise,” with the event widely regarded as one of the most prestigious Masters 1000 competitions on the ATP Tour.
Limited early-season schedule and physical condition
The tournament represents only Djokovic’s second appearance of the 2026 season, following the Australian Open. He had previously been scheduled to compete in Doha but later withdrew from the event due to fatigue. Djokovic indicated that his body currently feels strong and that he is satisfied with the preparation period leading into Indian Wells.
He also described the conditions in California as particularly suitable for training and competition, pointing out that the facilities, climate and overall organization of the tournament make it one of his preferred stops on the ATP Tour. The proximity to Los Angeles and the strong support from tennis fans in the United States are additional factors he mentioned when explaining why he enjoys competing there.
Historic record at Indian Wells
Djokovic is making his 17th appearance at the Indian Wells Masters, a tournament where he has already enjoyed significant success. He has won the title five times, first lifting the trophy in 2008 and then dominating the event again during the mid-2010s, including his most recent victory in 2016.
A potential sixth title would allow Djokovic to surpass Roger Federer and become the most successful player in the history of the tournament. His long record of deep runs in California has made him one of the most recognizable figures associated with the event.
External expectations ahead of the tournament
Former American player John Isner has publicly predicted that Djokovic could win the tournament this year, pointing to the Serbian’s experience, tactical intelligence and past results at Indian Wells as factors that make him a serious contender for the title.
With the tournament already underway and the world’s best players competing for one of the most prestigious trophies outside the Grand Slam circuit, Djokovic will attempt to add another major Masters title to his career while continuing his pursuit of additional Grand Slam victories in the later stages of the season.
