After a grueling ATP 2021 season, the World no.1 Novak Djokovic has decided to opt out of the Indian Wells Open, which will be played in October. Djokovic had a hectic schedule as he was gunning for the Golden Slam and it was expected he was going to back out of the Indian Wells.

In fact, Djokovic, who won three slam titles in the ongoing season, had revealed that he was not clear regarding his participation for the rest of the season after he lost the US Open final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.

“Let me tell you – I have no plan, absolutely nothing,” Djokovic said. “I don’t know if I’m going to play anything, anywhere… I’m just here in New York right now.”

Now Djokovic has decided to pull out of Indian Wells Open. The World no.1 is hopeful of playing at the tournament in 2022.

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

This will be the first time since 2000 that the Indian Wells will be played without the big three- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Thus, there will be a new winner this year, as Dominic Thiem and Juan Martin del Potro are also missing due to injury.

Tournament Director Tommy Haas added: “We are disappointed that Novak will not be able to join us at the BNP Paribas Open this fall. “We hope to see him back in Tennis Paradise next March to contend for a record-setting sixth title in the desert.”

It will be interesting to note if Djokovic will take part in the Nitto ATP Finals, which will be played from November 14 to 21 in Turin.