This Week On The ATP Tour – CW10

ATP Masters BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells (photo: Brigitte Urban)

STARNBERG, March 6, 2024

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is set for his first appearance since 2019 at the BNP Paribas Open, one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in the world of tennis held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The 36-year-old Serbian will chase a record-extending 41st ATP Masters 1000 title. Djokovic holds a 50-9 match record in the Californian desert, and he will look to reacquaint himself quickly with the conditions as he aims to move clear of his fellow five-time champion Roger Federer.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and the in-form Italian Jannik Sinner are among his closest rivals. Three-time champion Rafael Nadal also returns after injury to take his spot in the draw in ‘Tennis Paradise’.

2022 champion Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe lead the US-American charge. Shelton, Paul and Tiafoe are all chasing their first ATP Masters 1000 crown, while 19-year-old Alex Michelsen makes his main-draw debut.

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia aims to go one step further in Indian Wells after reaching the final in 2023. No. 5 seed Alexander Zverev, who began his year with victory at the United Cup with Team Germany, is also eyeing his first individual title of the year.

Last week’s Acapulco champion Alex de Minaur of Australia will also be among the favourites and rapidly rising #NextGenATP Czech Jakub Mensik will make his event debut as a wild card.