Thursday Tennis: Rain suspends play again, Osaka wins in return, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic addresses media – KESQ

It was another jam-packed day of tennis and more in Indian Wells on Thursday.

Unfortunately, rain suspended play in the evening session yet again.

#breakingnews Rain coming down in Stadium 1 ⁦@BNPPARIBASOPEN⁩ Play has been suspended till this passes and courts are dry ⁦@BlakeArthur24⁩ ⁦@KenjiitoKESQ⁩ ⁦@KESQHaley⁩ pic.twitter.com/3HDCLSVpQg

— Chris Tarpening (@Tarp1969) March 8, 2024

Prior to the rain, former World No. 1 and 2018 tournament champion Naomi Osaka won her first round match.

Sprinting to the finish line 🏁 @naomiosaka wins 🔟 of the last 11 games to advance!#IndianWells | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/ooMkggHA6M

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 8, 2024

Osaka returned to Indian Wells following the birth of her daughter in July.

Have a ton of respect for the @WTA but especially for the women who have given birth and come back to compete.

Former World No. 1 and 2018 tournament champion Naomi Osaka is doing just that after her daughter Shai was born in July.

Some powerful perspective ⤵️🗣️@KESQ pic.twitter.com/ISOtm5Zohd

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 6, 2024

It’s also worth mentioning that Venus Williams fell in her first round match in what could be the final time we see the 43-year-old at this tournament.

Might be the last time we see Venus Williams at #IndianWells. The 43-year-old falls in the first round to Hibino. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @Tarp1969 @Qassignmentdesk @IndianWellsCA pic.twitter.com/dqb3k5JSBf

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 7, 2024

On the men’s side, all eyes were on World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, addressing the media for the first time at Indian Wells since 2019.

Hey DJ, play “The Ruler’s Back” by Jay-Z.

🎵🎙️🎾🏟️🌴☀️🐐🇷🇸#TennisParadise #IndianWells #Djokovic @KESQ @DjokerNole @BNPPARIBASOPEN @IndianWellsCA @KenjiitoKESQ @Tarp1969 @Jesus_G_Reyes @Qassignmentdesk @atptour pic.twitter.com/hjdfobJWID

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 8, 2024

The 5-time champion is seeking a record sixth tournament title. The 36-year-old will make his 2024 desert debut on Saturday inside Stadium 1.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC 🇷🇸

– 36 years old from Belgrade, Serbia
– No. 1 @atptour
– 24x grand slam champ 🐐
– 5x @BNPPARIBASOPEN champ (first time in tournament since 2019)
– Seeking record 6th #IndianWells title (2016, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2008)@KESQ @Tarp1969 @Kenjiito @IndianWellsCA pic.twitter.com/sjfBeeWiqI

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 7, 2024