Djokovic: "I Want To Get That Confidence Back"
Five-time BNP Paribas Open champion Novak Djokovic makes his return to the ATP World Tour this week, competing in just his second tournament since Wimbledon last July. The former No. 1 in the ATP Rankings has a shot at pulling ahead of Roger Federer on the final Sunday with an unprecedented sixth title in the desert.
It is a decade since the 30-year-old claimed the first of his five Indian Wells titles (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016). He had finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal the year before in just his second appearance.
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Now in his 13th appearance, the Serbian is keeping expectations in check in his first tournament back since a “small medical intervention” on his right elbow. In his first match since falling in straight sets to Next Gen ATP Finals champion Hyeon Chung in the fourth round of the Australian Open nearly seven weeks ago, Djokovic will take on Japanese World No. 109 Taro Daniel.
"The only thing I want is to try to get that confidence back, get that rhythm on the court," Djokovic said. "I've only played four matches in nine months. So I'm really looking forward to start playing again without pain."
Last year, as defending champion, Djokovic fell to Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round. He had taken down Milos Raonic for his fifth Indian Wells crown in 2016.
“Considering my results here in the past it’s one of my favourite places to play,” he said. “I had surgery after Australia and it’s still a short time but I managed to recover really well so I’m hoping that I can start this tournament as healthy as possible and then start building from there.
“Obviously expectations-wise it’s different. It’s not like coming in like last year or two years ago, this year is really different not just because of rankings but because I haven’t played matches at all.
“The goals are a bit different. Nevertheless when I step on the court it’s game on. I want to get the best out of myself and get a W [win].”