Djokovic Eager for Indian Wells Return, Faces Vukic in Opening Round
Novak Djokovic is preparing to play his first match in Indian Wells in five years, but will have to wait until Saturday to take to the courts of Tennis Paradise.The world number one was in a happy mood during the match. in the media for the first time since he arrived in America two weeks ago, as the five-time champion found out who he will face in his opening match.
Djokovic will face Australian Aleksandar Vukic, who is on his game, in his second round a match first meeting with the world number 69.This looks like a nice opening for Djokovic as Vukic has had a poor start to 2024 with only his second win over youngster Shintaro Mochizuki at Indian Wells and only his second ever at Indian Wells. T
he schedule was announced for Friday and the big names in the men’s draw will center on Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.These two young guns have beaten Djokovic at Grand Slams in the past. , and it’s a big week for Sinner, who has a chance to dethrone Alcaraz for world number two. The Italian is playing in his first ATP 1000 event since winning the Australian Open in January and insists the battle for the No. 2 ATP ranking is not a big focus for him.
“No. 2? Me always say the ranking is secondary,” said Sinner, who won his first tournament since last month’s Australian Open in Rotterdam.”First, to get there, I have to have a very consistent season, which doesn’t mean winning every tournament. . , but preparing to compete.”” We knew in Rotterdam that we had a chance to get number 3. It’s the same thing here to get number 2, but it’s not just about me.
There are other factors. , other players and Nole, who will be back here for a long time.””After Rotterdam we started working straight away… that’s the key that led me to this success, but I know I have to improve. Even now we did good job and I hope I can show it on the court.” Sinner also suggested his goals have changed since his first Grand Slam win as the relaxed 22-year-old looks ready to push on.
more glory already in the new year.”I think tennis is a good sport because you can always set new goals. It doesn’t matter what title you win,” Sinner added. “Next week is a good week and a good chance to do something great again.”I think I know I have some important points to improve on. Leaderboard. . That kind of motivation just pushes me and, more importantly, to become a better tennis player every week.”So we work.
No matter what the outcome of the tournaments is, we will continue to work and hopefully I can get 100% in every department.“You have to wake up in the morning and work again. And when you lose, you live with that negative moment, but you don’t live with it in your career.”Sinner will face Australian Thanasi Kokkinak in the opening match on the main court of Indian Wells on Friday.Alcaraz will play the Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the first match of the night, the second match at Indian Wells Stadium On court 2, the British Andy Murray with Andrey Rublev..
