5 Burning Questions

If Novak Djokovic can’t play Indian Wells or Miami, how much stock should we put into the results?

Considering the Serb's latest surge, would asterisks be necessary?

ByTENNIS.com

Published Mar 03, 2023

HIGHLIGHTS: N. Djokovic def. S. Tsitsipas; Australian Open F

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HIGHLIGHTS: Novak Djokovic wins his 10th Australian Open and 22nd Grand Slam title

Question 3: If Djokovic doesn’t play in March, how much stock should we put into the results?

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Peter Bodo: This is one of those areas where asterisks have no place, because you cannot punish those who show up to play for the actions of those who do not. The record books speak for themselves, and once the dust settles, equivocations revolving around injuries, absences, officiating etc. all tend to slowly evaporate. The champions who emerge from Indian Wells and Miami will go down in history for their accomplishments, end of story.

Joel Drucker: No matter what happens with Djokovic’s desire to come to the U.S., those who win and generate excellent results at Indian Wells and Miami will feel strongly encouraged—which in turn should have major implications for the rest of the year.

Matt Fitzgerald: When Novak’s been in the draw, he’s proven to be the best player in the ATP locker room since 2022 Wimbledon. That holds some stock. That said, anyone who strings six (or seven) wins together to win IW or Miami shouldn't be discounted either. One player who may carry a little more weight is Daniil Medvedev, whose biggest titles have all come in August or later.

When Djokovic is in the draw, he's the clear favorite; when he cannot compete, it's hard not to feel like he's leaving a title on the table.

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David Kane: The ATP has become a tale of two tours: what it looks like when Novak Djokovic can and cannot play. When he is in the draw, he's the clear favorite; when he cannot compete, it's hard not to feel like he's leaving a title on the table.

Stephanie Livaudais: Considering his stellar record at both tournaments, highlighted by winning the Sunshine Double four times, Djokovic’s absence will be felt. But there’s no need for an asterisk. One year on from their victories, Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz certainly don’t feel like “fluke” champions—and neither should this year’s winners.

Stephen Tignor: The normal amount. When Djokovic didn't play these tournaments last year, Alcaraz won Miami and made the semis in Indian Wells, and those weren't fluke victories.

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