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Tennis

Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Indian Wells

Following a devastating loss in the US Open finale that cost him the Calendar Slam title, Novak Djokovic is gearing up for a short break. The world no. 1 won’t be taking part in Indian Wells, joining a growing list of tennis superstars who withdrew from this event. Djokovic announced his decision to pull out of this tournament by tweeting, "I am sorry I won't get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favourite place to go." This is truly devastating news for the fans of the tournament since he’s a five-time champion at Indian Wells, lifting the title in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The tournament director Tommy Haas said they’re disappointed that Novak will not be able to join them at the BNP Paribas Open this fall, but also expressed hope that we’ll get to see him back in tennis paradise next year to contend for a record-setting sixth title in the desert. Indian Wells Masters aka the BNP Paribas Open is taking place between October 4–17, without the last year’s champion Dominic Thiem coming back to defend his title. Despite the withdrawal of several major contenders, the field will still be pretty crowded, with Andy Murray, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev among those competing for the trophy.