Novak Djokovic has taken a lot of confidence after making a solid start to the season. The Serbian bested Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Australian Open but could not go all the way against Alcaraz in the summit clash.

Djokovic had failed to even qualify for any of the Slams’ finals in 2025 and had suffered semifinal losses against Alcaraz and Sinner in the previous season. After competing in the Australian Open, Djokovic will return to action on the court after almost one month and with his batteries recharged, he would look to go deep at the Indian Wells.

“That was an amazing start of the year for me,” Djokovic said during his pre-tournament press conference. “Considering that I haven’t been able to reach [a major final] since Wimbledon 2024, and lost to either Sinner or Alcaraz at all of the Slams last year, it was just an incredible feeling to be able to beat Sinner in five sets in one of the [most] epic matches that I played in recent times in Australia. And then, having another great match with Carlos, who was just too good in the end.

“For me, that has been a phenomenal result. I have proven to myself primarily, and to others, that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys. So my logic is why not keep going as long as I have that fire and flair and quality and also motivation to do that.”

Djokovic has won the Indian Wells on five occasions and he is looking to break Roger Federer’s record for most titles in tournament history.

“I have had a fair amount of success in this tournament,” said Djokovic, who boasts a 51-11 tournament record, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. “It has always been one of my favourite tournaments to visit. With the great weather, facilities, location and proximity to L.A. — one of the best cities to visit — and the history of the event. It’s really a Tennis Paradise here, so rightfully named that way.”

Djokovic will begin his campaign against Pole Kamil Majchrzak or hefty-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.