Djokovic downplays retirement talks; Andreeva ready for role as defending Indian Wells champion

Novak Djokovic said he sees no reason to retire from tennis given that he is still motivated to compete and capable of beating the best players in the world.

The 38-year-old Serb defeated defending champion Jannik Sinner in a thrilling semi-final at the Australian Open in January before falling to world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the final, proving he is still a force on the sport’s biggest stages.

“It was an incredible feeling to be able to beat Sinner in five sets in one of the epic matches that I played in recent times in Australia, and then have another great match with Carlos, who was just too good in the end,” Djokovic told reporters at Indian Wells.

“For me, that has been a phenomenal result. So I have proven to myself primarily and to others that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys,” he said.

“So my logic is why not keep going as long as I have that fire and flair and quality and the motivation to do that.”

The 24-times Grand Slam champion said he enjoys picking and choosing his schedule, which revolves mostly around the four Grand Slams and tune-up events. He also makes space for the Indian Wells tournament in the California desert, where he is a five-time champion.

“I really enjoy the thrill of competition,” he said.

“I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and being competitive. Still number three in the world, so I don’t think it’s too bad in terms of the ranking and results and performances.

“So I’m still competitive. I still have that edge, and I’ll keep on going as long as I feel like it.”

Andreeva ready for role as defending Indian Wells champion: Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva said she will go into her Indian Wells title defence without worrying about the potential for dropping ranking points after being swept up in the excitement of being defending champion at last month’s tournament in Dubai.

Andreeva toppled world number one Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final in Southern California for back-to-back WTA 1000 titles after her triumph in Dubai, but struggled to find similar form thereafter as she navigated the demands of her breakthrough season.

The search for consistency continued after the 18-year-old won the Adelaide crown at the start of 2026 before a run to the quarter-finals in Dubai, where she embraced the added scrutiny that comes with past success.

“I was worried about defending points in Dubai since Roland Garros,” Andreeva told reporters on Wednesday.

“I was thinking about it a lot, but when I came to Dubai the only thing I felt was the excitement of being there again, feeling new emotions at the tournament as defending champion.

“It was all new to me but I didn’t feel the pressure for some reason as I thought I would. And here it’s the same thing. I’m just so excited to be here as a defending champion, to see my photos almost everywhere.

“It’s just nice to be here again and now I don’t feel any pressure defending points.”

Andreeva, who also beat Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina and Iga Swiatek en route to winning the Indian Wells title, said she is better equipped to handle drop-offs in form.

“I was just struggling to play and use that level in all the tournaments that I played,” she added.

“It was a bit on and off, which was a new experience for me. But now if that happens again, I know how to deal with it.”

Eighth seed Andreeva has a bye into the second round where she faces either Peyton Stearns or Solana Sierra.

Agencies