Sun Mar 09 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Djokovic Downplays Airport Limp, Confirms Indian Wells Return
**INDIAN WELLS, Calif.** — Novak Djokovic, the No. 6 seed at the BNP Paribas Open, has allayed concerns about his fitness ahead of his return to the court this weekend. A viral video showing Djokovic limping at an airport after a previous tournament sparked speculation about a recurrence of the hamstring injury that forced his withdrawal from the Australian Open.
However, Djokovic dismissed these concerns Thursday, attributing the limp to a self-inflicted ankle injury sustained at 4 or 5 a.m. while leaving the airport. “It was really awkward to see that video,” he said. “I hit myself really badly…It was just a hit. It was nothing else.”
The 37-year-old Serbian star, a five-time champion at Indian Wells, is set to open his campaign on Saturday against either Botic van de Zandschulp or Nick Kyrgios. His participation marks his return to the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami) for the first time in six years. He also revealed that he’s working with former rival Andy Murray as his coach through at least the clay-court season, potentially extending to Wimbledon.
Despite recent struggles with motivation, Djokovic expressed excitement about competing in Indian Wells and Miami, stating that these tournaments are among the few that consistently inspire him. A victory in Indian Wells would push him closer to a coveted 100th ATP title, a milestone achieved by only Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
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