Novak Djokovic withdraws from the Indian Wells to give his body more time to recover

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will not feature at the ATP 1000 event at the Indian Wells. The Serb is taking some time off after his heartbreaking loss in the finals of the US Open against Daniil Medvedev as he failed to achieve the historic Calendar Grand Slam.

Djokovic’s absence from the BNP Paribas Open was officially announced by the event’s official social media handles.  “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.”

The 34-year-old then confirmed the news with a post on his Instagram. He expressed his disappointment in missing out on the event as it is one of his favourite places to go. He assured the fans that he will be back there 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.

The Serb won his first title at the Indian Wells in 2008 which was the third Masters 1000 title of his career. However, he has won it another four times with the latest one coming in 2016. Ever since his title in 2016 he has failed to get past the fourth round.

All in all, it has been an exceptional year on tour for Novak Djokovic as he has lifted three Grand Slam titles and made it to the finals of the fourth. He started the year with a brilliant win in the Australian Open and then followed it up with a win at the Roland Garros. At Wimbledon, he went level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in terms of Grand Slam tally. However, he missed out on the Olympics gold medal in Tokyo and the US Open which he lost against Medvedev. While the Golden Grand Slam looked very much achievable, it takes a massive toll on the body and Djokovic was not ready to take the mental and physical pressure that comes with such a historic feat.