For Novak Djokovic playing at this year’s BNP Paribas Open is as much about his health as it is about progressing in the tournament.
The five-time Indian Wells champion will start his campaign in the ‘fifth major’ on Sunday. It will be his first physical test after undergoing a ‘minor surgical procedure’ last month. Since the Wimbledon championships, Djokovic has only managed to play two events on the tour due to a serious elbow injury that required rest. He returned to action at the Australian Open where he reached the fourth round before losing to Hyeon Chung.
“It’s still a short time, but I managed to recover quickly and so far it has been going really well.” Djokovic told The ATP website about his recovery. “So I’m hoping that I can start this tournament as healthy as possible and then start building from there.”
After what has been a turbulent past few months for the Serbian, he is eager to return to the form that he once dominated men’s tennis with. Although in the immediate future, his focus isn’t on winning the big titles once again. It is about playing without the pain that has blighted him in recent years.
“I’m really looking forward to playing without pain, first of all.” He stated.
“The pain that has been with me for two years that I had to deal with in the elbow. So hopefully here (in Indian Wells) I can experience what it is like to be painless and enjoy time on the court.”
Despite his cautious approach to the first Masters 1000 tournament of the year, the competitive instinct is still there. Djokovic is statistically one of the most successful players of all time in Indian Wells. He has won 49 out of 56 matches played and has won more consecutive matches than any other ATP player (19).
“For me the goals are a bit different.” He admits. “Nevertheless, when I step onto the court its all game and of course I want to get the best out of myself and get a W (win).”
Djokovic, who is seeded tenth in the draw, will take on qualifier Taro Daniel in his first match. Daniel defeated Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the opening round. It will be the first meeting between the two on the tour.
“The only thing I want is to try to get that confidence back, get that rhythm on the court,” Djokovic said ahead of the clash. “I’ve only played four matches in nine months. So I’m really looking forward to start playing again without pain.”
In his section, Djokovic could potentially play Kei Nishikori and Juan Martin del Potro prior to the quarter-finals.
Djokovic’s record at Indian Wells
2006 – R1
2007 – F
2008 – Champion
2009 – QF
2010 – R4
2011 – Champion
2012 – SF
2013 – SF
2014 – Champion
2015 – Champion
2016 – Champion
2017 – R4
2018 – ???
