Novak Djokovic pulls out from Indian Wells

World No 1 Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells. The news of the five-time champion withdrawing from the tournament was confirmed by tournament director Tommy Haas. Djokovic claimed his maiden Indian Wells title in 2008, before winning the title in three consecutive seasons in 2011, 2014 and 2016. However, since then he is yet to go past the fourth round.

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“We are disappointed that Novak will not be able to join us at the BNP Paribas Open this fall,” said tournament director Tommy Haas. “We hope to see him back in Tennis Paradise next March to contend for a record-setting sixth title in the desert."

Djokovic also confirmed the development via his official Instagram handle. The Serbian extended his apologies to the fans and said he is extremely disappointed to withdraw his name. He promised to go for his sixth title at the BNP Paribas Open next year. "I am sorry I won't get to see my fans Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favourite place to go. I hope to see you next year," he wrote.

Djokovic recently participated in the US Open where he lost the final to Daniil Medvedev. He was fighting for a Calendar Slam but failed to get going in the match and lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

The Serbian had a phenomenal 2021, having won the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He could not get the job done in Tokyo Olympics and US Open but still, it was a top notch performance that any player will dream to have.

"Three wins, three Slams and a final. For the last couple of years I've been very transparent and vocal about my goals, to play my best tennis at slams. I'm managing to do that," Djokovic had said after the US Open final last month.