Alcaraz ready for return at Indian Wells, but status of Djokovic, Nadal in doubt

Two of the biggest names on the men's entry list for the BNP Paribas Open are unlikely to play in the Southern California tournament.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were injured during the Australian Open last month, and Djokovic's COVID-19 vaccination status also is still an issue for the tournament that runs March 6-19 at Indian Wells.

Djokovic, a five-time winner in the desert, missed last year's tournament because of his vaccination status. The U.S. is set to end its COVID emergency declarations on May 11, long after the tournament concludes.

Djokovic won the Australian Open last month for his 22nd career major despite being bothered by a left hamstring injury. He returned to No. 1 in the world rankings. Nadal injured his hip during a second-round loss at the Australian Open and could be out up to two months.

WATCH | Djokovic beats Tsitsipas in Aussie Open final:

Djokovic ties Rafael Nadal's all-time majors record with 10th Aussie Open title

2 years ago

Duration 2:51

The dominant Serbian wins his 22nd grand slam to equal Nadal's overall career mark while extending his own record with a 10th Australian Open championship.

Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, who reached the semifinals last year, is set to return to Indian Wells after missing the Australian Open because of injury. Also entered are No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, No. 4 Casper Ruud and No. 5 Andrey Rublev. American Taylor Fritz is back to defend his title.

Also among the men's entries is No. 7 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Montreal, No. 9 Holger Rune and No. 10 Hubert Hurkacz. Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray are in the field as well, alongside Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

On the women's side, top-ranked Iga Swiatek is back to defend her title from last year. She'll be joined by Australian Open winner and second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka.

Also in the field is No. 3 Ons Jabeur, No. 4 Jessica Pegula, No. 5 Caroline Garcia and No. 6 Coco Gauff.

Former champion Bianca Andreescu is one of three Canadian women in the draw, which also features former U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez and Rebecca Marino.

The remaining spots in the draws will be filled by winners of the qualifying tournament and wild card recipients, who will be announced in the coming weeks.

WATCH | Sabalenka wins Australian Open:

Aryna Sabalenka wins Aussie Open for 1st major title

2 years ago

Duration 2:31

The 24-year-old Belarusian outlasted Elena Rybakina to capture the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in Melbourne.