Novak On Canvas: Djokovic Immortalised In Indian Wells

To witness Novak Djokovic lift the trophy at the BNP Paribas Open is a familiar sight for tennis fans in the California desert. For the three-time defending champion, another tradition has become old hat as well.

Every year since 2014, Djokovic has been etched into Indian Wells lore – literally – with the tournament’s singles champions honoured with a personalised mural by renowned artist Michael Sullivan. The tournament paid tribute to the World No. 2 on Stadium Plaza on Thursday afternoon.

“Michael is a great artist and I’m really happy that we see each other annually now,” said Djokovic. “Hopefully we will keep that tradition going. It’s a very nice tradition that Indian Wells is doing to honour the past champions. This tournament has set a high standard with the quality of organisation. It’s one of the best in the world.”

Sullivan’s masterpiece is acrylic on canvas, transferred onto glossy 12-inch by 12-inch ceramic tiles. The entire process takes an impressive three-to-six weeks, from drawing to installation of tiles, and he produces four portraits in total – two legends and the two defending champions.

“The poses are different, his shirts are different, but Novak has been the constant,” said Sullivan. “It’s cool that he’s won it three years in a row. I’m running out of poses. We’ve done one where his hands are behind his head with a backhand follow-through and one of a forehand.”

Djokovic opens his quest for a fourth consecutive BNP Paribas Open title and sixth overall on Sunday, against either Kyle Edmund of Gastao Elias. A trio of potential blockbuster clashes loom large, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Juan Martin del Potro, Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev all lurking in the Serbian’s quarter of the draw.