Djokovic back in Indian Wells & chasing more history

Andrew Eichenholz/ATP Tour

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic this week makes his return to the BNP Paribas Open, where the 36-year-old is competing for the first time since 2019.

Should Djokovic collect a record-extending 41st ATP Masters 1000 trophy this fortnight, it would mark his sixth Indian Wells crown, breaking his tie with rival Roger Federer for most titles in the California desert. Djokovic triumphed in Indian Wells in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

After not playing in Indian Wells or Miami last year, the Serbian is defending zero points this month, meaning he could also strengthen his claim on World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings. Carlos Alcaraz will drop champion's points in Indian Wells while Jannik Sinner, No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, defends 960 points throughout the Sunshine Double.

Last time I played on this beautiful court it was 2019. Feels like it was yesterday. Amazing to be back at #TennisParadise 😃 can’t wait for tournament to start! Let’s go 💪➡️🎾 #idemooo pic.twitter.com/UmJ4gUBB6z

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 5, 2024

The top seed Djokovic will play his first match since his Australian Open semi-final defeat to Sinner against a qualifier or World No. 69 Australian Aleksandar Vukic.

Just two titles shy of 100 tour-level trophies, Djokovic is seeded to meet either American Tommy Paul or newly minted ATP 500 Dubai champion Ugo Humbert in the fourth round before a potential quarter-final with Casper Ruud or Hubert Hurkacz.

Djokovic also has the opportunity in Indian Wells to become just the third man in history to reach 1,100 tour-level wins. He begins the week on 1,094 victories, trailing only Jimmy Connors (1,274) and Roger Federer (1,251) on the all-time leaderboard. Assuming that he does not receive a walkover this fortnight, with six wins to take the title Djokovic would hit the 1,100-wins milestone, according to Infosys ATP Stats.