World No.1 player Novak Djokovic will not play in the Indian Wells tournament slated for October.
In a statement on Wednesday, officials said he regrets that he will not have a chance to meet his fans at the BNP Paribas Open until next year.
“I am sorry I won’t get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favorite place to go,” he said. “I hope to see you next year!”
Tennis player Novak Djokovic.[Credit/tennishead.net]
Indian Wells Titles
Djokovic’s is a five-time champion in Indian Wells. This year has been a marathon for him trying to break the record.
He’s been chasing titles from all major tournaments held within the year but his defeat at the U.S Open 2021 threw a spanner in the works.
U.S Open 2021 Defeat
The Serbian’s chase for a Grand Slam title was cut short at the final stage by Russian Daniil Medvedev. He lost at the men’s singles final at the U.S Open 2021 in New York.
The No.2 seeded Russian player unleashed calculated moves to beat the world No.1 player in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the finals.
Medvedev, 25, was impressed by winning all sets except one which he fought hard to win.
It was a big match for the men’s singles finals.
Djokovic’s Mental Stress
Throughout 2021 Djokovic has featured in big tournaments with the culmination being the U.S Open 2021. This, he says took a mental toll on him such that he was drained and slow in his final game with the Russian.
A testament to the emotional stress he was through, Djokovic shed tears after the ninth game of the third set.
Seated with a towel on his head, he gnashed his teeth as tears rolled down his cheeks. It was now time to deflate all that pressure and for a reigning champion, it was not easy at all.
Novac Djokovic. [Supersport]
“Also emotionally, very demanding period for me in the last five, six months. Slams and Olympics and playing at home in Belgrade.
“Everything was coming together for me here and kind of accumulating all the emotions that I’ve been through.
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