Djokovic bows out from Indian Wells

ANKARA 

Novak Djokovic announced on Thursday that he would not participate in Indian Wells Masters (BNP Paribas Open) tennis tournament that starts on Oct. 4 in California.

The Serbian tennis legend made the announcement on Twitter, saying: "I am sorry I won't get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favorite place to go. I hope to see you next year!"

Djokovic, 34, shares the record for most Indian Wells titles with fellow star Roger Federer -- both with five titles.

Djokovic lost the US Open 2021 final match to Daniil Medvedev on Sept. 13, later expressing uncertainty about whether he would participate in any other tournaments this year.

Australian player Ashleigh Barty, world number 1 in women's singles, Japan's Naomi Osaka, and US player Serena Williams have also announced that they would not participate in the Indian Wells this season.