Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on Indian Wells entry list despite doubts they will play ATP Masters 1000 event

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have both been included on the entry list for Indian Wells despite doubts over whether either will play the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The entry requirements for foreign air travellers are not expected to be lifted before the main draw starts on March 9.

Djokovic is a five-time champion in Indian Wells, which is the first ATP Masters 1000 of the season, but has not played there since 2019.

That he appears unlikely to return is reflected in his place on the entry list story on the official website.

Djokovic is not mentioned in the headline and his name only features lower down with the words ‘Novak Djokovic is also on the tournament entry list’.

Three-time champion Nadal has a more prominent place in the story, but also looks set to miss out due to injury.

His timeframe to return was expected to be six to eight weeks, and even if he is healthy in time he may opt for extra recovery ahead of the clay season, which starts in April.

Defending champions Taylor Fritz and Iga Swiatek are set to return, along with Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie and Nick Kyrgios.

Men’s world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will be back in action. He hasn’t played since November 4 due to injury but is making his comeback at the Argentina Open this month.

Swiatek will be aiming to become the first woman to win back-to-back titles in Indian Wells since Martina Navratilova in 1991.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will be looking to continue her unbeaten start to the season while world No. 10 Elena Rybakina will be one to watch after her run to the final in Melbourne.

Indian Wells is followed by the Miami Open, which is also a WTA and ATP Masters 1000 event, on March 19 to April 2.