WATCH: “That’s what I’m worried about,” Novak Djokovic taken aback by Grigor Dimitrov’s forehand as the duo banter across the court during Indian Wells practice

The Bulgarian's forehand left Nole stunned who called for an early wrap to their practice in Indian Wells.

WATCH: “That’s what I’m worried about,” Novak Djokovic taken aback by Grigor Dimitrov’s forehand as the duo banter across the court during Indian Wells practice

Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic (Images via IMAGO, X)

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has made his return to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden after a long absence of five years. Nole is the joint-most successful winner alongside Roger Federer having won the tournament a record five times.

With the 2024 Indian Wells Masters starting from 6th March 2024, the seeds dont come into action before the second round. With a few more days of extra practice, Djokovic is sweating it out on the court aiming to win his maiden title of the season.

YouTube video

On the final day of practice before the tournament officially begins, the Serb was seen sparring with World No. 13 Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian No. 1 made a spirited run at the event back in 2021 but fell in the semi-finals. He tried to replicate it again but lost in the quarter-finals.

FS Video

As the two men tried their best to get in form ahead of the event, the two obviously shared some banter. One such footage has gone viral on social media with Djokovic on the receiving end. During one of the points, what looked like a wide shot from the World No. 1, Dimitrov’s return stunned him.

The Bulgarian relied on his powerful forehand, often compared to that of Federer, and hit a passing return down the line. Despite Nole’s best efforts, he could not catch the ball and lost the particular point. He quickly signalled to Dimitrov and his coaching team to ‘finish’ the practice immediately. 

We are just getting started.
Replied Dimitrov cheeekily. 
That's what I am worried about.
Said Djokovic while preparing for his next serve.

Novak Djokovic has a massive lead over Grigor Dimitrov in head-to-head

While Dimitrov had the last laugh in the particular video, the head-to-head is strongly in favor of the Serb. It just goes on to show the humbleness of the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion who took the jokes lightly.

Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov
Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov (Image via: Imago)

In their 13 meetings so far, the Bulgarian has won just once against Nole. The World No. 1 leads the head-to-head 12-1. They first met in the second round of the 2012 Shanghai Masters with Djokovic winning in straight-sets. He replicated the result in their next meeting as well.

Dimitrov finally got on board with a three-set win in the second round of the 2013 Madrid Masters. But since then, it has all been the Djokovic show. The duo has met thrice at Grand Slams so far. Third round of the French Open in 2013, semis of the Wimbledon in 2014, and the third round of the Australian Open in 2023.

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