Novak Djokovic the latest high-profile player to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open

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Novak Djokovic looking upset

World No 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner has won the tournament five times, but has decided to pull out this time around.

Djokovic has already claimed the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles this season but fell short of completing a calendar sweep of the majors when he was beaten in the US Open final by Daniil Medvedev earlier this month.

The Serbian said on Twitter: “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!”

Tournament director Tommy Haas said: “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 means for the first time since 2000 none of the Big Three will play at Indian Wells as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will both miss the event due to injury while women’s world No 1 Ashleigh Barty, four-time major winner Naomi Osaka and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams also won’t play in the WTA 1000 event.

Novak Djokovic

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