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Djokovic’s 2026 begin: ‘I’ve confirmed to myself & others, why not maintain going?’
Serbian has received Indian Wells trophy 5 occasions
March 05, 2026
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic will face Kamil Majchrzak or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his Indian Wells opening match.
By ATP Staff
Novak Djokovic arrives on the BNP Paribas Open able to compete for the primary time since his run to the Australian Open ultimate. The Serbian’s fortnight Down Under reaffirmed his perception that he stays a pressure on the game’s greatest phases, and towards his youthful rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
In Melbourne, Djokovic dispatched two-time defending champion Sinner in 5 units earlier than falling to World No. 1 Alcaraz within the championship match. The 38-year-old may rematch Alcaraz within the Indian Wells semi-finals ought to the seeds maintain.
“That was an amazing start of the year for me,” Djokovic stated throughout his pre-tournament press convention. “Considering that I have not been capable of attain [a major final] since Wimbledon 2024, and misplaced to both Sinner or Alcaraz at all the Slams final 12 months, it was simply an unimaginable feeling to have the ability to beat Sinner in 5 units in one of many [most] epic matches that I performed in latest occasions in Australia. And then, having one other nice match with Carlos, who was simply too good in the long run.
“For me, that has been an outstanding end result. I’ve confirmed to myself primarily, and to others, that I can nonetheless compete on the highest degree and beat these guys. So my logic is why not maintain going so long as I’ve that fireplace and aptitude and high quality and in addition motivation to try this.”
Making his seventeenth look in Indian Wells, the five-time champion Djokovic is aiming to interrupt his tie with Roger Federer for many titles in match historical past.
“I have had a fair amount of success in this tournament,” stated Djokovic, who boasts a 51-11 match file, in accordance with the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. “It has always been one of my favourite tournaments to visit. With the great weather, facilities, location and proximity to L.A. — one of the best cities to visit — and the history of the event. It’s really a Tennis Paradise here, so rightfully named that way.”
Djokovic, seeded third, will start his match towards Pole Kamil Majchrzak or hefty-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The winner of 101 tour-level titles and file holder of 428 weeks spent as World No. 1 within the PIF ATP Rankings, Djokovic is happy for one more alternative.
“I really enjoy the thrill of competition. I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and really being competitive,” Djokovic stated. “Still No. 3 of the world, so I don’t think it’s too bad, in terms of the ranking and results and performances. I still have that edge and I’ll keep on going as long as I feel like it.”
