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Indian Wells set for first event without any of the ‘Big Three’ for 21 years


This year’s Indian Wells will get underway next week without some of the biggest names in the sport including the ‘Big Three’. 

On Wednesday, world number one Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Open, ending his run of 14 consecutive appearances at the Masters 1000 event, where he enjoys a record of 50-9.

Djokovic hasn’t featured since Daniil Medvedev denied him the first calendar Grand Slam in the men’s game for more than half a century at the US Open.

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

The five-time Indian Wells champion, who joined both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slams after a hugely successful 2021 campaign, has also joined his ‘Big Three’ rivals in pulling out of the competition.

The Swiss star is monitoring a right knee problem, whilst Nadal is continuing his recovery from a foot issue sustained at the French Open.

As a result, the Indian Wells event will take place without any of the history-making trio for the first time since 2000, where Spaniard Alex Corretja lifted the title.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.