Novak Djokovic is set to play doubles for the first time in over a year at Indian Wells.
The Serbian will form a surprise team with Stefanos Tsitsipas in a bumper doubles draw at the Californian event.
Djokovic has been tipped to win Indian Wells, but it will be a mightily impressive run if he manages to lift the trophy alongside Tsitsipas too.
The tennis icon’s double appearance will end a year-long drought since Djokovic last teamed up with a partner.
Novak Djokovic’s last doubles appearance
Djokovic hasn’t played doubles since an appearance at the Qatar Open in 2025 alongside Fernando Verdasco.
The Serbian agreed to team with the Spanish icon to take part in his final-ever tournament on the ATP Tour.
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The pair won their first round match, against Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov, but their time in the competition was ended in the quarter-finals.
The two men were defeated by doubles specialists Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, who defeated Djokovic and Verdasco in straight sets.
Djokovic didn’t hesitate to accept Verdasco’s offer of being his final-ever tennis partner, bringing an end to the Spaniard’s legendary career.
“I spoke with Nole some time before this tournament and he accepted my proposal. I thank him very much for playing with me,” said Verdasco, explaining his decision to play with Djokovic.
He added: “He thanked me for choosing him as a partner in the last tournament of my career. We have always had a great relationship and – when we first faced each other in 2006 – I never imagined that I would retire in Doha in 2025 with him by my side.”
Djokovic was not so kind to Verdasco when they played singles matches, beating him 11 out of their 15 meetings.
Novak Djokovic’s sole ATP title victory in his career
Djokovic has not played too much doubles in his career, although he has formed alliances with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Stan Wawrinka over the years.
The Serbian has reached three ATP doubles finals in his career, but he’s lifted the trophy on just one occasion.
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Djokovic lost out in the final of the Adelaide International and the Mallorca Open, alongside Radek Stepanek and Carlos Gomez-Herrera respectively.
His only doubles victory on the ATP Tour came at Queen’s, when he and Jonathan Erlich beat Karol Beck and David Skoch in the final.
Djokovic and Erlich also beat Jamie Delgado and Jonathan Marray en route to lifting the doubles trophy.
