INDIAN WELLS, CA – Novak Djokovic reaffirmed his affection for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, calling the California desert tournament “tennis paradise” as he prepares to return to competition after a nearly two-month absence. The Serbian star, a five-time Indian Wells champion, spoke enthusiastically about the event’s atmosphere and facilities ahead of his first-round match against Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak on Saturday.
The Masters 1000 event, often dubbed the “fifth Grand Slam” due to its prestige and challenging conditions, holds a special place in Djokovic’s career. Despite not lifting the trophy since 2016, and experiencing recent setbacks at the tournament – including a stunning third-round loss to Luca Nardi in 2024 and a first-round upset against Botic van de Zandschulp in 2025 – Djokovic’s fondness for Indian Wells remains unwavering.
“I’m happy to be back in the United States, and in Indian Wells, obviously one of the two tournaments of the Sunshine Double (with Miami),” Djokovic said. “I’ve had a lot of success in this tournament, and it’s always been one of my favorite tournaments. I think I’m not the only player to appreciate the beautiful weather, the installations, the location, the proximity to Los Angeles, one of the best cities to visit, and the history of the event, tennis paradise. It really is tennis paradise here, it lives up to its name. You understand, I enjoy it a lot and I hope to have a good tournament.”
Djokovic’s return to Indian Wells marks his first competitive appearance since falling to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final on February 1st. The break has allowed him to regroup and refocus as he aims to regain his dominant form. The tournament represents an important opportunity to build momentum heading into the clay court season and the French Open.
The 2024 edition of the BNP Paribas Open was particularly memorable for an unexpected upset. Luca Nardi, a 20-year-old lucky loser from Italy, stunned the world No. 1 in three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Nardi’s victory was historic, making him the lowest-ranked player to ever defeat Djokovic at a Masters 1000 or Grand Slam event. The result sent shockwaves through the tennis world and highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Whereas Nardi’s win was a significant moment, it also underscored Djokovic’s vulnerability, even on surfaces he traditionally dominates. The 2025 tournament saw another early exit for the Serbian, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match. These recent results add an extra layer of intrigue to his 2026 campaign.
The “Sunshine Double” – Indian Wells and the Miami Open – is a crucial stretch in the ATP Tour calendar. The tournaments are played back-to-back in the California and Florida sunshine, offering players a chance to adjust to hard-court conditions before the European clay-court swing. Success in Indian Wells and Miami can significantly impact a player’s ranking and seeding for the upcoming Grand Slam events.
Djokovic’s first-round opponent, Kamil Majchrzak, currently ranked No. 57 in the world, presents a challenging but winnable match. Majchrzak has a solid baseline game and can be dangerous on his day. However, Djokovic’s experience and tactical acumen will likely prove to be decisive factors.
Beyond the on-court action, Indian Wells offers a unique atmosphere for players and fans alike. The tournament’s location near Palm Springs and Los Angeles provides access to a vibrant cultural scene and luxurious amenities. The desert landscape and consistently sunny weather contribute to the event’s appeal, earning it the moniker “tennis paradise.”
For Djokovic, the tournament represents more than just a chance to win another title. It’s a place where he has enjoyed past success, a venue he clearly appreciates, and an opportunity to reconnect with American fans. As he steps onto the court against Majchrzak, Djokovic will be hoping to rediscover his winning form and embark on another successful run at Indian Wells.
The BNP Paribas Open continues through March 22nd. Fans can follow live scores and updates on the official ATP Tour website and through various sports news outlets. Djokovic’s next match against Majchrzak is scheduled for Saturday, March 7th, with a local start time to be announced.
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