After reaching the Australian Open final in January, there were concerns about how Novak Djokovic’s 38-year-old body would recover from such grueling competition. The Serbian tennis star arrived in Indian Wells after taking last month off to prepare for her first match in more than a month.
Djokovic said Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open that his recovery is going well and he is ready to compete for a record sixth title in the California desert.
advertise
“I mean, you can feel how good it is, but it’s really day-to-day management,” the 34-time major champion told reporters. “I think the base I developed and built in the preseason was really good, as good as it has been over the last three or four years.”
Djokovic is known for his excellent conditioning and recovery abilities. Many believe this is what allowed him to play at such a high level into his 30s.
But even for the most physically fit players, the body recovers differently at 38 than at 32. And playing five straight sets, like the one he played in Melbourne, brings with it a greater cumulative cost.
Djokovic faced world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals and final. It was an incredibly physical game after Djokovic beat his opponent
advertise
Even for the world’s best athletes, there’s naturally a lingering question: whether the true impact of these games will be felt weeks later.
Novak Djokovic practices during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Indian Wells, California.
“His performance against Sinner in the semifinals was unbelievable,” said Brad Gilbert, Tennis Channel analyst and co-host of The Big T podcast. “For the past 24 months, everything started and ended with Alcaraz Sinner. We were always looking for the third one. It’s still Djokovic.”
Whether that will happen in Indian Wells is one of the big questions at this year’s BNP Paribas Open.
Djokovic holds the record for most consecutive wins here, with 18, and won three consecutive titles here in what is arguably the greatest performance by a player in the history of the sport (2014-19). So, he has a history in the California desert.
advertise
He has proven this year that he can still perform at the highest level.
“We saw that, under the right conditions, he could be tough,” Tennis Hall of Famer and broadcaster Mark Woodford said. “He’s going to push those top players. Alcaraz did his best to deal with what Djokovic was throwing at him.”
Novak Djokovic practices during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Indian Wells, California.
But then again, will he be fit enough to do it again in Indian Wells?
That will be a problem for Djokovic after Indian Wells, even if he plays well early.
“Obviously, it’s a long season and you’re trying to adapt as you go along and there’s always things you need to figure out and deal with,” he said. “Thankfully, there’s nothing major that can stop me from playing this game.
advertise
“It’s actually the opposite. I feel good. I feel great.”
Andrew John covers the BNP Paribas Open for The Desert Sun and USA TODAY Network. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared in the Palm Springs Desert Sun: Novak Djokovic says he feels good in Indian Wells
