Djokovic can still win a championship at Indian Wells—in doubles

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—It was no fun to be world No. 1 in the third round at Indian Wells, where both Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka were upset in straightforward fashion.

But Djokovic is still going for at title in Palm Springs, having reached the doubles semifinal with partner Fabio Fognini. Djokovic went back on court for the quarterfinal following his singles defeat.

"I personally, when I choose to enter the doubles with someone, I prefer to actually play," he said. "I'm going to try to go all the way here in doubles. I'm really excited about that. And get some good practice in."

Djokovic, who was error-prone as play resumed in his rain-delayed singles match against Philipp Kohlschreiber, jokingly suggested that the doubles helped him shake off the singles—almost.

"I must admit I was thinking about it. When I hit a good return, I was wondering why this didn't happen in singles," he said.

The 31-year-old plans to work on his game before Miami, adding that his coach Marian Vajda will rejoin him there.

"I'm going to have Marian, my coach, joining us in Miami. Plenty of time until my first singles match there," he said. "I'm not at my highest level. I know that. But slowly building."

Djokovic will stay at No. 1 in the rankings.