World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells which was confirmed by the organizers on Wednesday.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from #BNPPO21. pic.twitter.com/qU6HV10pKa
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) September 29, 2021
Novak Djokovic hasn’t featured since his defeat in the US Open final against Daniil Medvedev earlier this month, he is a five-time winner of the tournament. The Serbian is not the only big name to be withdrawn from the tournament with major stars like Naomi Osaka (winner in 2018), Ash Barty and Serena Williams also miss out.
Djokovic confirms this by a tweet stating: ” I am sorry I won’t get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the Desert, my favourite place to go. I hope to see you next year”.
I am sorry I won’t get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favourite place to go. I hope to see you next year! @BNPPARIBASOPEN
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 29, 2021
Tournament Director Tommy Haas said, “we are disappointed that Novak will not be able to join us in the BNP Paribas Open this fall, We hope to see him back in Tennis Paradise next march to contend for a record-setting the sixth title in the Desert”.
Top-seeded Serb has already qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin in November and is attempting to become the first player to finish the season as World No 1 for the seventh time. He won the title previously in years 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 however earlier this year he planned to alter his busy schedule to spend more time with his family.
Fans around the are very much disappointed to not see the Serbian in action in the Indian wells tournament as the previous year was cancelled due to the pandemic the tournament this year is taking place in October rather than its traditional march slot also due to the pandemic.
