Novak Djokovic looks to serve a hat-trick

Novak Djokovic’s opponents have learned over the years that it is never wise to bet against him and it will be no different as he begins his quest for a third consecutive Indian Wells title.

Djokovic is also aiming for his fifth overall at this week’s ATP and WTA Tour tournament, one of the biggest events on the tennis calendar outside of the four Grand Slams.

“My approach is not that I have to win this, or I am supposed to win this, but I am going to win this,” Djokovic said on Friday.

“Then I am able to believe in myself and that confidence has brought me to where I am today,” he added.

He is the heavy favourite to take another title at Indian Wells and hopes to use that as a stepping stone towards his first French Open crown which would complete the career Grand Slam.

If Djokovic defends his title in California it would make him the most successful player in the history of the hardcourt tournament.

“I like the speed of the courts here. I feel comfortable. The ball bounces high and I grew up on clay so I am use to high bounces,” he said.

Djokovic also enters Indian Wells with a 16-1 record this year.