Novak Djokovic Announces Return to Competition at Indian Wells Masters

Novak Djokovic has confirmed his return to competitive tennis, announcing he will participate in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells next month after missing the Australian Open due to a wrist injury sustained in practice.

The 38-year-old Serbian star, who holds the record for most Grand Slam men's singles titles with 24, has been working with his medical team and coaching staff to ensure he's fully fit for his 2026 debut. The Indian Wells Masters 1000 event, scheduled to begin March 6th, will mark Djokovic's first competitive match since his semifinal loss at the ATP Finals in November.

"I'm excited to be back on court and competing again," Djokovic said in a statement released by his management team. "The break gave me time to heal properly and work on aspects of my game. Indian Wells has always been special to me, and I can't wait to play in front of those amazing fans in the desert."

The former world No. 1 has won the Indian Wells title five times throughout his illustrious career, most recently in 2019. His absence from the Australian Open earlier this year raised questions about his commitment to the sport, but his team emphasized that the decision was purely medical and precautionary.

Djokovic's return comes at a crucial time as the tennis calendar heads into the spring hard-court season. The Miami Open follows immediately after Indian Wells, creating back-to-back Masters 1000 events that could serve as preparation for the French Open in May.

Tournament director Tommy Haas expressed his delight at Djokovic's commitment to the event. "Having Novak back in our field elevates the entire tournament. He's one of the greatest champions in tennis history, and his presence always brings out the best in other players. The fans are going to witness something special."

The announcement also puts additional pressure on current world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and rising stars like Jannik Sinner, who will face the ultimate test against the veteran champion in what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.