Djokovic out to flip the 'script' in Indian Wells return

Novak Djokovic would like a word with the ATP Tour's script writers. For the first time since 2018, he competed in the Australian Open and did not leave with the trophy at the start of his season.

"It's very strange that the ATP director decided my role, Novak Djokovic, not to win the Australian Open," the Serbian joked at a BNP Paribas Open presser on Thursday, alluding to the viral social media campaign that positioned the ATP Tour as a scripted TV show. "It's not always the case. But I had to accept it.

"I was telling everyone that the whole show was done so well. I think a lot of people reacted very positively to that. I enjoyed it so much. I think the ATP has done a great job, the media and content team, to finally present us in our real light with our real names."

The Tour: A Reality Show 📺

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— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 7, 2024

All kidding aside, the Serbian acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead after — by his otherworldly standards — a disappointing start to 2024.

"Australia has been a place where I've won the most Slams," he reflected. "Most of my career, I was starting the seasons with a Grand Slam trophy, which of course gives you huge wind in the sails for the rest of the season. And when you start the year in such fashion, you have more confidence. Also I guess you feel a big relief."

The 36-year-old felt underbaked Melbourne, calling it a consequence of his busy end-of-season schedule that included a Nitto ATP Finals title run and a leading role on Serbia's Davis Cup Final 8 team.

"I didn't feel like I really had the proper time to rest and to do a proper preparation block like maybe I would normally do," he said. "But it is what it is. I don't think I played my best tennis in Australia, whereas Jannik [Sinner] did, and he was just far better player than me that day [in the semi-finals]. And after that, he he made an incredible comeback in the final and won his first title. So it was absolutely deserved."

Back in Indian Wells for the first time since 2019, the five-time desert champion has the perfect platform to supercharge his season.

"It feels great. There's a reason why they call it Tennis Paradise," he said of the Southern California site. "It’s an enjoyable experience for players, for fans. Anybody that really loves the sport enjoys this tournament very much. So I was very excited to come back. It's been five years and time flies incredibly fast."

Djokovic arrived early in California, coincidentally taking the same commercial flight as Rafael Nadal to the United States on 23 February.

The Serbian enjoyed some family time in nearby Los Angeles ahead of the Indian Wells event and says he has been practising well in the desert conditions. He will face an Aussie in his first match since the Australian Open, with Aleksandar Vukic providing the opposition in Djokovic's Saturday opener.

He'll be hoping his Indian Wells campaign follows a similar script to his 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016 runs, all of which ended with Djokovic lifting the trophy as the closing credits rolled.