Having won Indian Wells five times, Djokovic participated in his first tournament since being defeated by the Italian newcomer Jannik Sinner over six weeks ago in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic has committed to participating in the upcoming Miami Open, attributing his unexpected departure from the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters on Monday to a “really bad day.”
The top-ranked Serbian’s highly anticipated comeback to Indian Wells, after not competing there for five years, concluded with a surprising third-round loss to the Italian player Luca Nardi, who is ranked 123rd in the world.
Despite this disappointment, Djokovic intends to compete in Miami.
“Miami is there, so let’s see,” he said of the upcoming tournament.
“I wasn’t enjoying not playing the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami) last couple of years. I really wanted to play.”
“I really wanted to come (this year) and I really enjoy being both in Indian Wells and Miami,” added Djokovic after his surprising defeat.
The champion of Indian Wells on five occasions, Djokovic, made his return to competition for the first time since his defeat by the Italian up-and-comer Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, which took place over six weeks prior.
At 36, Djokovic, aiming to manage his tournament appearances carefully, announced his intention to proceed to the Miami Open beginning next week.
“I do play fewer tournaments, so I’m more selective with my schedule,” he said.
