Djokovic thrilled to end Indian Wells exile after five-year hiatus
China DailyNovak Djokovic poses for a photograph during the game between the LA Galaxy and Inter Miami CF at Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, US Feb 25, 2024. LOS ANGELES — Novak Djokovic on Tuesday said he was excited to be back in Indian Wells to compete at the BNP Paribas Open for the first time since 2019 after US travel restrictions related to COVID-19 had kept him away. Three-time Indian Wells champion Nadal is set to compete at the tournament after missing last month's Australian Open due to a muscle tear. 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. Djokovic was spotted in Los Angeles on Sunday night watching fellow sporting great Lionel Messi and his Major League Soccer side Inter Miami take on LA Galaxy.