Tennis star Novak Djokovic is set to return to Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open next month after a five-year absence due to COVID-19 and U.S. travel restrictions, as per the entry list released by tournament organizers. The men’s lineup also features three-time Indian Wells champion Rafa Nadal, who missed the Australian Open last month due to a muscle tear but is included in the entry list for an ATP 250 event in Doha from Feb. 19-24.
Djokovic, currently the world number one, last appeared at Indian Wells in 2019, exiting in the third round. He will aim for an unprecedented sixth title at the tournament, considered one of the most significant outside the Grand Slam events. The 2020 BNP Paribas Open was canceled due to COVID-19, and Djokovic missed the next three editions due to U.S. restrictions on unvaccinated foreigners.
The star-studded men’s field also includes reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner, and Taylor Fritz, the first American man to win the Indian Wells title since Andre Agassi in 2001.
On the women’s side, world number one Iga Swiatek will be joined by 2023 Indian Wells champion Elena Rybakina, Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka, and Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Naomi Osaka, the 2018 Indian Wells champion, and 2019 finalist Angelique Kerber are also expected to make their return for the first time since 2022 following maternity leave.
