Novak Djokovic will soon begin his campaign at the North American hard-court swing at the 2026 Indian Wells Masters. Ahead of the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, who was training on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, spoke with the university’s football team and shared a powerful message.
Djokovic has won the Indian Wells Masters five times, the most of any player, a record he shares with Roger Federer. He claimed titles in 2008, 2011, and from 2014 to 2016, and he also finished as the runner-up once, in 2007.
Novak Djokovic Interacts With UCLA Football Team Ahead of Indian Wells Masters
The 2026 Indian Wells Masters is scheduled to take place from March 4 to March 15, 2026, with the main draw matches held on the outdoor hard courts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Djokovic will be seeded in the tournament and will start his campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
In addition to Djokovic, players expected to compete in the ATP Masters 1000 hard-court tournament include Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, Ben Shelton, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, and defending champion Jack Draper, among others.
Before the Indian Wells Masters, Djokovic spoke to the UCLA football team about the importance of “team spirit.” He praised the team for supporting and uplifting each other.
“As an individual athlete, one of the things that I’m really missing is that team spirit is what you guys are building and what you guys are nurturing here on an everyday basis. Seeing you guys how much you enjoy supporting each other, lifting each other up, and bringing that spirit up, it’s only going to serve you as a team, you individually, the coach, and the whole community, and of course, the college that you’re part of,” Djokovic said.
The former World No. 1 also conveyed strong life lessons and expressed his support for the UCLA football team.
“So right now, this is the time because 10% of life happens to us, and 90% of life is how we react to what happens to us. I wish you guys all the best of luck. I wish you to be the best NCAA team next year. I’ll be cheering for you,” he added.
Djokovic was also seen training and practicing on the tennis courts at the UCLA campus.
Leading up to the 2026 Indian Wells Masters, Djokovic has participated in only one tournament this year: the 2026 Australian Open, where he reached the final but finished as the runner-up to Alcaraz.
