The Indian Wells Masters is often called the "fifth Grand Slam" because of the prize pool, the length of the tournament, and the experience felt by tennis players.
It's similar with Miami, which comes right after Indian Wells, and the most trophy-winning tennis player of all time Novak Đoković will "put together" two American Masters after a six-year break.
He arrived in the US to make amends - due to last year's early and surprising elimination at Indian Wells by the Italians. Luke Nardija, due to his February elimination in the first round at the Doha tournament, by another Italian, more famous Matea Beretinija.
- Apart from the Grand Slams, there are a few tournaments that give me extra motivation when I wake up in the morning and think about where I want to play best. Indian Wells and Miami are certainly at the top of that list - said Djokovic.
Djokovic has won Indian Wells five times and is tied at the top of the list with Roger Federer.
He has a chance to stay at the top of the list with a possible triumph, but his goals probably don't reach that far. In fact, they are set more realistically - to string together a few wins and show that he can compete with the younger guys, now at the age of 38.
Nole starts on Sunday, in the 2nd round, the Dutchman awaits him Boutique Van De Zandšulp.
Yesterday he addressed reporters in Indian Wells, and the first topic was the footage that emerged after his elimination from Doha.
Djokovic was filmed limping at the airport by the Spaniards, which immediately sparked rumors that he was injured - that he had not yet recovered from the injury that forced him to surrender the match to the German. Aleksander Zverevu in the semifinals of the Australian Open.
- It was unpleasant to see that video, because I hit my wrist really hard when I was leaving the airport. It all happened very early, around 4, 5 in the morning, and I was limping because it really hurt. That's all. People immediately connected it to the injury and thought something had gotten complicated again, but it wasn't like that - explained Djokovic.
He also talked about the extension of cooperation with Andy Murray, who will be his coach for the rest of the season.
- I'm glad he decided to stay with me in Indian Wells and Miami, but also for most of the clay-court season. The plan is to work together at least until the end of Roland Garros, and hopefully until Wimbledon - Djokovic emphasized.
Bonus video:
