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Djokovic Battles Past Kovacevic, Sets Up Draper Clash at Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of the Indian Wells Open with a hard-fought three-set victory over American Aleksandar Kovacevic. The Serbian star acknowledged the challenge posed by Kovacevic, who pushed him to his limits, particularly in a dominant second set. Djokovic now sets up a marquee matchup against defending champion Jack Draper in the next round. This marks Djokovic's first appearance in the tournament's fourth round since 2017.

Key Points: Djokovic Reaches Indian Wells Fourth Round, Faces Draper

  • Djokovic wins tough three-setter
  • Faces defending champ Draper next
  • First fourth round here since 2017
  • Acknowledges opponent's strong performance
2 min read

Indian Wells Open: Djokovic reaches fourth round, to face defending champion Jack Draper

Novak Djokovic overcomes Aleksandar Kovacevic in three sets to advance at Indian Wells, where he will next meet defending champion Jack Draper.

"I am not really enjoying myself at all times, to be honest... But winning ugly, right? That is what counts. - Novak Djokovic"

California, March 10

Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic moved to the fourth round of the ongoing Indian Wells Open, beating American Aleksandar Kovacevic on Tuesday night.

Djokovic, the five-time champion, outclassed Aleksandar 6-4, 1-6, 6-4, facing a setback in the second set to book his place in the fourth round of the event for the first time since 2017. This is the second successive match where Djokovic has played three sets, having played a tough campaign opener against Kamil Majchrzak.

"It was a great performance from Aleks. We know each other. We speak the same language. His whole family is Serbian," said Djokovic as quoted by ATP's official website.

"It is great to see him doing well. He is played a great tournament so far. I knew coming into the match that if he serves well and picks his spots, it was going to be hard to break him. That is what happened, actually," he added.

Djokovic is tied with Roger Federer for most Indian Wells titles, but recent seasons have been a struggle for him. Last year was a shock first-round exit after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will face defending champion Jack Draper after the Briton moved past Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5.

"I am not really enjoying myself at all times, to be honest," Djokovic said about his win. "You are trying to thrive in these kinds of conditions where you are facing an opponent playing lights-out tennis... But winning ugly, right? That is what counts. I am glad to be able to overcome the challenge today," he added.

Aleksandar first met Djokovic way back in 2005 and considers him his idol, and he pushed the Serbian icon to his limits. After a strong opening set in which he won 13 successive points on serve, he levelled with a brilliant second set win that left Djokovic searching for answers. However, the tennis legend saved his best for the decider and showcased a great range of shots, despite an ankle injury scare in the third game.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting to see him say he's not enjoying himself at all times. Must be immense pressure at the top. Respect for being so honest. Draper next will be a huge test!
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Vikram M
Good to see Kovacevic put up a fight. Pushing a legend like Djokovic to three sets is no small feat. The Serbian connection made it a special match. Hope Novak's ankle is okay for the next round 🤞
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Priya S
As an Indian tennis fan, we miss having a player like him. The dedication and longevity are just next level. "Winning ugly" – that's a lesson for all athletes. The match against Draper will be fire! 🔥
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Rohit P
Honestly, I feel he's slowing down a bit. Two three-setters in a row against lower-ranked players is not the Novak of old. The competition is catching up. Hope he proves me wrong against Draper.
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Nikhil C
The man is 36 and still grinding like this! Major respect. Tied with Federer for most titles here – winning a sixth would be historic. Come on, Nole! 🎾

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