Agency :
Novak Djokovic is expected to return to Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open next month after a five-year hiatus due to Covid-19 and US travel restrictions, according to the entry list released on Wednesday by tournament organizers.
Also featured in the men’s lineup is three-times Indian Wells champion Rafa Nadal, who missed last month’s Australian Open due to a muscle tear but has since been included on the entry list for a Feb 19-24 ATP 250 event in Doha.
World number one Djokovic, whose last appearance at Indian Wells in 2019 ended with a third-round exit, will be seeking an unprecedented sixth title at what is regarded the biggest tennis tournament outside of the four Grand Slam events.
The 2020 BNP Paribas Open was canceled due to the Covid-19 outbreak and Djokovic missed the next three editions as the United States did not allow unvaccinated foreigners to enter the country.
