Why Did Novak Djokovic Pull Out of the BNP Paribas Open?

Novak Djokovic has had the best of the year. Having won three grand slams this year, he is now equaled with two other greats in tennis Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the player with the highest number of grand slams in men’s history. That being said, the world no. 1 player has still a lot more to conquer. But a piece of shocking news came in from the Serbian when he decided to withdraw his name from the Indian Wells. 

Let us read out about what the Serbian has to say about his withdrawal and what are his future plans?

Also read: Novak Djokovic in 2021: A Record-Breaking Year for the Joker

Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells

In a shocking set of events, Novak joins Ashleigh Barty, the world no. 1 female tennis player, Naomi Osaka, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal to have their names excluded from the BNP Paribas Open. Recently, the Serbian fell just one step short of the US Open after being defeated in the finals at the hands of Daniil Medvedev. 

After his withdrawal from the tournament, his fans have started to ask some serious questions if the tennis star with play the rest of the tournaments or if his 2021 campaign is over? “I am sorry I won’t get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favorite place to go. I hope to see you next year!” claimed Novak via tweet. 

I am sorry I won’t get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favourite place to go. I hope to see you next year! @BNPPARIBASOPEN

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 29, 2021

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from #BNPPO21. pic.twitter.com/qU6HV10pKa

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) September 29, 2021

On the other hand, the director of the Indian Wells has also expressed his disappointment with Novak Djokovic withdrawing from the tournament. “We are disappointed that Novak will not be able to join us at the BNP Paribas Open this fall,” claimed Tommy Haas. “We hope to see him back in Tennis Paradise next March to contend for a record-setting sixth title in the desert.”

This will be the first time since the year 2000 when none of the greats will play. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and now Novak Djokovic have all withdrawn. Federer’s current coach came forward to speak about the current situation of Novak Djokovic and said he wouldn’t be surprised if he sees the Serbian taking the year off from now. 

“As for the question of what I expect for the rest of the year, I would like to see Djokovic in Paris-Bercy and at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin 2021, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he decided not to play again in the rest of the season,” said Ivan Ljubicic. 

What’s next for the Serbian?

Having withdrawn from the tournament, the future of the world no. 1 player is quite uncertain. He himself said that he had no plans set for the remainder of the season. He said that he will now shift his attention completely to next year. “To be honest, I don’t have a plan, absolutely nothing,” said Novak in an interview.

The Serbian will have a glorious chance to go forward and clinch the Australian Open. If he wins, he will go down in the history books as the first player in men’s history to ever win 21 grand slams. He now shifts his attention completely to the upcoming challenges next year. “I don’t know whether I’ll play anything, anywhere. Right now, my mind is only here, in New York.” said the Serb.