Novak Djokovic Eliminates Aleksandar Kovacevic to Advance to Indian Wells Round of 16

 

Novak Djokovic eliminated Aleksandar Kovacevic in a hard-fought match, reaching the Indian Wells Last 16 after outlasting the American in three sets, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. 

Kovacevic was firm against Djokovic in the first set before his resolve was broken in the third. Djokovic claimed his second break point in the decider to claim a match point as the American hit a backhand wide. However, the home favourite converted four out of six break advantages he had against Djokovic. 

Djokovic reached the final of the Australian Open but failed to lift the trophy after losing to Carlos Alcaraz, who won his maiden title in Melbourne. The Serb has not won a Masters 1000 title since winning his last at the Paris Open in 2023. 

He will face British opponent Jack Draper in the next round. The Briton defeated Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets by 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the round of 16.