Last Updated:
Novak Djokovic is currently tied with Roger Federer on having won the Indian Wells Open five times each.
Novak Djokovic is making his 17th appearance at the tournament. (AP Photo)
Novak Djokovic began his 2026 on a strong note and nearly won a 25th Grand Slam singles title but for Carlos Alcaraz who defeated him in the final to win a maiden Australian Open title and complete career slam. The Serbian, in the last leg of his storied playing career, will be hoping to carry the form and momentum for the remainder of the season.
Currently, the world no. 3 is taking part in the 2026 Indian Wells where he defeated 72nd-ranked American Aleksandar Kovacevic in three sets to advance to the fourth round.
Having taken the first set 6-4, Djokovic conceded the next 1-6 before bouncing back to claim the third 6-4, and the match.
“Today was really anybody’s game until the last couple of points,” Djokovic said. “That last game in the third where he missed some first serves, gave me looks on the second and I used it. That’s pretty much it.”
He received a bye in the first round but needed three sets to beat Kamil Majchrzak in the second round.
Djokovic will next face defending champion Jack Draper.
Djokovic had also teamed up with Stefanos Tsitsipas in the men’s doubles event, but the pair suffered a second-round exit with a 6-7(4), 5-7 defeat to Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot.
Djokovic Aims To Surpass Federer
Djokovic is tied for the most men’s singles titles at Indian Wells with his great rival Roger Federer with each winning the tournament five times.
Djokovic last won the title in 2016.
There’s another record of Federer that Djokovic will break should he claim the title.
At 35 years, 7 days, and 11 months, the Swiss great holds the record for being the oldest Indian Wells champion.
Djokovic, 38, could surpass that feat too.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz managed to continue his unbeaten run in 2026 after bouncing back from a set down to beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-2 to enter the fourth round.
Alcaraz will take on Casper Ruud next.
March 11, 2026, 14:54 IST
Read More
