Novak Djokovic announces BNP Paribas Open withdrawal

WATCH: Djokovic spent 2021 in search of the Calendar Year Grand Slam, and came one match short at the US Open.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has announced that he will miss the upcoming BNP Paribas Open following his 2021 US Open defeat to Daniil Medvedev.

"I am sorry I won't get to see my fans in Indian Wells and play in the desert, my favourite place to go,” Djokovic said in a statement. “I hope to see you next year!”

A five-time champion in Indian Wells, Djokovic spent much of the 2021 season in search of the elusive Calendar Year Grand Slam, aiming to become the first man since Rod Laver to capture all four major tournaments in one year.

One match shy of not only pulling off the feat but also surpassing rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at 21 major titles, the Serb fell in straight sets to Medvedev, the No. 2-seeded Russian in the final. In an ironic twist, Medvedev avenged an Australian Open defeat that both started the year and kicked off Djokovic’s quest for the Grand Slam.

“We are disappointed that Novak will not be able to join us at the BNP Paribas Open this fall,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas. “We hope to see him back in Tennis Paradise next March to contend for a record-setting sixth title in the desert."

Should Medvedev appear in the California desert, he will be the No. 1 seed in the aftermath of a victorious weekend as part of Laver Cup’s Team Europe.