Rafael Nadal flew from Spain to Los Angeles — with Novak Djokovic, it must be added — and is working towards in California this week forward of the Netflix Slam and the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Nadal is scheduled to play the Netflix Slam exhibition with Carlos Alcaraz on March 3 in Las Vegas. Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, John Isner, and Sam Querrey had been not too long ago added to the lineup, as properly.
“Apply in… Paradise on earth” is what Nadal posted on social media this previous weekend, with a video of a hitting session.
The 37-year-old Spaniard has performed one event this season, reaching the Brisbane quarterfinals earlier than reaggravating his hip harm and shedding to Jordan Thompson. Having missed virtually all of 2023, Nadal might be making his first look in Indian Wells since ending runner-up to Taylor Fritz in 2023. The previous world No. 1 is a three-time champion in Tennis Paradise (2007, 2009, 2013).
Djokovic is making his first journey to Indian Wells since 2019. The 36-year-old Serb is a five-time champion (2008, 2011, 2014-16). He has not performed since shedding to eventual champion Jannik Sinner within the Australian Open semifinals.
“Nice firm on the way in which to USA,” Djokovic wrote on social media with the hashtags #vamos and #idemo as he and Nadal flew to the USA.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You may observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.