Novak Djokovic is back in the game, declaring his hamstring injury a thing of the past. Despite a rocky start to the year, including a first-round exit at the Qatar Open, Djokovic is optimistic about his form. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is set to tackle the prestigious “Sunshine Double” at Indian Wells and Miami for the first time since 2019. However, he’s still determined to clinch that 100th title. “I’m not going to get younger; I know that. But I definitely look to go deep in the tournament,” he mentioned during the pre-tournament press conference this year. Now, as the sixth seed at Indian Wells, Djokovic is ready to make a strong comeback. But not everyone is convinced about his chances.

Dmitry Tursunov, a former Russian tennis pro, has carved out a successful coaching career, guiding top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Belinda Bencic to impressive heights. After a decade-long playing career, Tursunov transitioned to coaching, leveraging his experience facing elite opponents. Recently, he spoke with Sportklub about Djokovic’s future in the sport following his recent injury crisis.

Making a bold statement, Tursunov said, “His own body is now his greatest opponent. No matter how he plans to cheat time, ‘tennis death’ will await him.” And its not exactly a novel take, for the Serbinator too knows it.

You might recall Djokovic echoing similar sentiments during the Australian Open. After exiting his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev, he noted during the press conference, “This is probably the new reality I have to accept—that my body will probably betray me more often than it has throughout my entire career.” This came after he struggled with a hamstring injury sustained during his previous match against Carlos Alcaraz, raising concern among fans and himself.

Tursunov added, “Of course, he still has the motivation to play at the highest level, but in tennis, you lose the feeling of immortality much faster than in other sports. Previous achievements are quickly forgotten.” Djokovic has stated that he isn’t looking to retire anytime soon, following questions about his future after Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal’s retirement last year. This leaves him as the last-standing legend from the Big Four era. Known for his fitness and tenacity, Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion with 99 titles to his name.

However, Tursunov isn’t convinced. He believes Djokovic’s passion will push him through tough matches, but he worries about a tough challenge at the Indian Wells Open. “Alejandro Davidovich Fokina could make a splash against Novak (they potentially meet in the third round), having already defeated him in Monte Carlo in 2022,” he noted. However, Fokina hasn’t made it past the first round, so he won’t face Djokovic. The real threat, according to Tursunov, is Carlos Alcaraz. “Djokovic is in a very difficult situation, his chances are slim if he faces Carlos Alcaraz.”

The Indian Wells Open is yet to kick off for top players, starting on March 9. Djokovic will first face Botic van de Zandschulp, against whom he has a head-to-head advantage of 1-0. But with him dismissing rumors about a “concerning injury” after being seen limping at the airport recently, things aren’t looking smooth sailing yet.

Novak clears doubts about his injury woes ahead of Indian Wells Open

The tennis world was abuzz last month when a jaw-dropping video surfaced of Novak Djokovic limping into an airport in Doha. The clip sent shockwaves, especially given his recent hamstring issues at the Australian Open and a swift exit in Qatar. It seemed like another injury might be brewing for the world number one. However, Djokovic quickly put those concerns to rest during a press conference ahead of his Indian Wells campaign.

He humorously explained, “It was really, yeah, awkward to see that video, because I arrived to the airport and I hit myself really badly as I was walking out, because it was very early, I think, 4 or 5 a.m. I was just limping because I hit myself badly in the ankle. That’s all. It was just a hit. It was nothing else. But then people connected it to the injury and thought it was something escalating and coming back.”

Despite the drama surrounding his health, Djokovic is feeling optimistic about his form. He’s eager to take on the Sunshine Double, a feat he hasn’t attempted in six years. “But anyway, I’m feeling good. I really look forward coming to Indian Wells and Miami this year,” he said with enthusiasm.

As a five-time Indian Wells champion, Djokovic has a rich history at the event, with his first victory dating back to 2008. His last title there was in 2016, marking his third consecutive win after also lifting the trophy in 2014 and 2015. This year’s appearance will be his first at the BNP Paribas Open since 2019, where he was defeated in the Round of 32 by Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Now, the Serbian is eyeing his 100th ATP trophy, and the stage is set for an exciting comeback. Will he be successful this time around? The anticipation is building and only time will tell!