The 2024 edition of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 is the return of Novak Djokovic. The world number 1 returns to the lands of California after a five-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic and for non-compliance with vaccination requirements, and he does so as one of the great favorites for the title.
He will not make his debut until Saturday, when he faces Australian Aleksandar Vukic in a match that shouldn’t cause too many difficulties.
Until then, the five-time tournament champion is taking the opportunity to train and attend the media in a press conference where he left some ‘little pearls’, as in their possible participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“Everything will depend on the cards we have at that moment, we’ll see what I have left at that point. It’s too far to think about, but of course it was an appointment that I was happy about.. The Olympics are every four years, but I can’t commit yet, I want to go every year. If my body goes with me and I can maintain this passion in what I do, of course I want to participate, but there is still a long way to go,” explained the Serbian, who was happy to return to Indian Wells.
“It feels so good to be back in this place, for some reason they call it Tennis Paradise. It’s always a great experience for me to meet all the players, as well as the fans. Anyone who really loves this sport really enjoys it when this tournament comes around, so I’m very excited to be back this season. It’s been five years since I last raced in this event, that’s when you realize time flies.”
Regarding his Australian Open loss to Jannik Sinner, Djokovic admitted he felt like he didn’t have “enough time to rest.”, not the right time to do a solid training block like I usually do in other preseasons. But it is what it is, things have been like that, I don’t think I played my best tennis in the last Australian Open, although I recognize that Jannik, that day in the semifinals, he was a more better player than me. After that match we saw him make an amazing comeback in the final to win his first Grand Slam title, so it was well deserved.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
