Following an edgy three-set contest against American Aleksandar Kovacevic, five-time BNP Paribas Open champion Novak Djokovic set up a fourth-round showdown with defending champion Jack Draper in Indian Wells.
Making his 17th appearance at the BNP Paribas Open, 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic dug deep to overcome a spirited world No. 72 Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in two hours, advancing to the fourth round in Indian Wells for the first time since 2017 on Monday.
Djokovic experienced physical discomfort throughout the tough encounter, dropping his serve twice.
However, we would find his way back to the match in the deciding set, outshining his adversary with finesse and consistency.
On the other side of the net, Kovacevic thrived on serve, winning 78 percent of the points on his first serve overall and firing 16 aces in the process.
"For someone who is not extremely tall to serve this well and find the spots in the box, it was just really phenomenal serving, so huge credit to him," the Belgrade-born said after the match.
“He was very close to winning today. It's unfortunate, but as I told him at the net, he's playing great, and I’m sure that the future is bright for him.”
The former world number one will next face defending champion Jack Draper for a spot in the quarterfinals in their first meeting since Wimbledon 2021, a clash the 38-year-old took in four sets.
On a comeback journey from an arm injury, Draper, who is bidding to retain the title at Tennis Paradise, eased past Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5 in 78 minutes on Monday, returning to the round of 16 in the California desert for the second straight season.
The Briton has showcased powerful performances to extend his winning streak at the Masters 1000 to eight matches in his return to tour-level competition after an eight-month absence.
On Saturday, the 24-year-old launched his title defense campaign with a three-set victory over Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, his first test at Indian Wells Tennis Garden hard courts.
"To come out and play the level I am playing after the injury I had, I am really proud of that," he commented in his on-court interview.
After his high-quality display against world No. 20 Cerundolo, Britain's No. 1 racquet praised his upcoming rival, outlining: "He is the greatest player of all time."