Novak Djokovic’s 2026 start: ‘I’ve come to myself & others, why not keep going?’ | ATP Tour

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Djokovic’s 2026 begin: ‘I’ve come to myself & others, why not keep going?’

Serbian has received Indian Wells trophy 5 occasions

March 05, 2026

Novak Djokovic arrives on the BNP Paribas Open prepared to compete for the primary time since his run to the Australian Open finish. The Serbian’s fortnight Down Under reaffirmed his perception that he stays a pressure on the game’s greatest phases, and in opposition to 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 might 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 never been ready to attain [a major final] since Wimbledon 2024, and misplaced to both Sinner or Alcaraz at the entire Slams final yr, it was simply an unimaginable feeling to give you the chance to beat Sinner in 5 units in one of many [most] epic matches that I performed in current occasions in Australia. And then, having one other nice match with Carlos, who was simply too good ultimately.

“For me, that has been an exceptional consequence. I’ve come from myself primarily, and to others, that I can nonetheless compete on the highest degree and beat these guys. So my logic is why not keep going so long as I’ve that fireside and aptitude and high quality and likewise motivation to do this.”

Making his seventeenth look in Indian Wells, the five-time champion Djokovic is aiming to break his tie with Roger Federer for many titles in event historical past.

“I have had a fair amount of success in this tournament,” stated Djokovic, who boasts a 51-11 event file, in accordance to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. “It has always been one of my favorite tournaments to visit. With the great weather, facilities, location and proximity to LA — 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 event in opposition to 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 an additional 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.”