Novak Djokovic kicked off 2025 chasing a Grand Slam #25, but after an Aussie Open semifinal exit, things aren’t going as planned. The Serb has had disappointing ends in the three tournaments that he played this year. In the recently-concluded Qatar Open, Djokovic bowed out of the singles competition in the first round. Nonetheless, the 37-year-old is determined to come back stronger as he announced his next tournament.

The action on the ATP Tour shifts to the U.S. as the Sunshine Doubles takes place next month. Djokovic will be participating in the inaugural ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season, the BNP Baripas Open in Indian Wells. Earlier today, he shared a story on his official Instagram handle, which had a repost from the tournament’s official handle, confirming Djokovic’s participation. “A legend returns to the desert,” the caption read.

This will come as a major relief to his fans, who were unsure of his participation in the upcoming tournaments, given his injury setbacks this year. Even after his shocking loss to Matteo Berrettini in Doha, Djokovic admitted that he wasn’t at his physical best going into the tournament. “I didn’t have any pain or discomfort in that sense. I was outplayed by just a better player today. Yes, I wasn’t at my desired level, and it could be that I’m still not moving the way I want to move, but, I mean, I played without pain, so there is no excuse for that,” he said.

Meanwhile, former World Number 9, Andrea Petkovic feels concerned about Djokovic’s physical state going into the Indian Wells Masters. She made a grim confession about Djokovic’s injury-laden season.

Andrea Petkovic on Novak Djokovic’s comeback: ‘Worried about his health’

Over the past few months, injuries have been a common feature for Novak Djokovic. Last year, he had to withdraw from the French Open midway due to a knee injury. This year as well, he pulled out of the Australian Open in the middle of his semifinal encounter against Alexander Zverev. As a result, Petkovic was left concerned about the Serbian legend’s physical state.

She said, “Novak, we don’t know when he was able to start practicing with that muscle tear he had in his thigh. So maybe a bit early, the comeback. I’m not worried about Novak at all in terms of tennis, just worried about his health and if he’s healthy, he will be fine. Whoever doubts Novak’s tennis ever again, whether Novak’s 37 years old or 55 years old, should from this day forth be punished with perpetual silence. Yes, I’m talking about myself.”

While Djokovic admitted that he wasn’t in pain at the Qatar Open, he was seen limping after his exit, according to several reports. Thus, it remains to be seen if Djokovic can get back to the desired physical level as he descends to the United States to participate in the first leg of the Sunshine Double.