INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Novak Djokovic mentioned forward of the BNP Paribas Open that he’s wholesome and the viral video of him hobbling into the airport following final month’s match in Doha was unrelated to the hamstring harm that compelled him to retire from his Australian Open semifinal match in January.
“It was actually, yeah, awkward to see that video, as a result of I arrived to the airport and I hit myself actually badly as I used to be strolling out, as a result of it was very early, I believe, 4 or 5 a.m. I used to be simply limping as a result of I hit myself badly within the ankle,” Djokovic, the match’s No. 6 seed, mentioned Thursday. “That is all. It was only a hit. It was nothing else. However then individuals related it to the harm and thought it was one thing escalating and coming again.
“However anyway, I am feeling good. I actually look ahead coming to Indian Wells and Miami this 12 months. I am going to play the Sunshine Double first time after, I believe, six years.”
Djokovic, 37, misplaced in his first-round match in Doha to Matteo Berrettini and drew concern after the airport video appeared on social media. He has not performed since. Following a first-round bye, he’s slated to open play in Indian Wells on Saturday in opposition to the winner of Thursday’s match between Botic van de Zandschulp and Nick Kyrgios, who Djokovic defeated within the 2022 Wimbledon ultimate.
Djokovic is a five-time champion on the BNP Paribas Open, most not too long ago in 2016, and is in the hunt for his a centesimal ATP title. He would turn out to be simply the third man to take action, becoming a member of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. Whereas he received Olympic gold in Paris final summer season, the Serbian star has not received a tour title since 2023 and has brazenly struggled with motivation at occasions — however mentioned he was excited to play the Sunshine Double occasions in america this month.
“Apart from Slams, [there are] few tournaments that basically give me inspiration once I get up within the morning and take into consideration the place I need to do properly,” Djokovic mentioned. “Indian Wells and Miami are positively on the prime of that listing.”
He added he was excited to have former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray by his aspect for each occasions and mentioned the 2 will communicate after Miami and guarantee they need to proceed working collectively.
“I used to be very glad when he determined to maintain going, Indian Wells, Miami, and yeah, a lot of the clay-court season,” Djokovic mentioned. “… I believe the plan is to go all the way in which until the top of Roland Garros, I believe, and yeah, hopefully Wimbledon, as properly.”