Novak Djokovic came from a set down to successfully clear his opening hurdle at the Masters event in the California desert.
The third seed and five-time BNP Paribas Open champion defeated Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak in the second round, 4–6, 6–1, 6–2.
The match lasted two hours and 12 minutes.
Novak did not start the match well, dropping his serve in the opening game. His difficulties continued in the fifth game, when Majchrzak secured another break to move ahead 4–1 with the advantage of serve. The Serbian responded by immediately breaking back, and at 5–4 for the Pole he had three consecutive break points to level the set. However, he was unable to convert them, allowing Majchrzak to close out the opener after 43 minutes and take a 1–0 lead.
Djokovic raised his level significantly in the second set and quickly took control of the match. Breaks in the second and fourth games gave him a comfortable cushion, and he wrapped up the set 6–1 without major difficulty. During this stretch, the Serbian found his rhythm and adjusted well to the challenging conditions and strong winds.
The decisive set was effectively settled in the fifth game, when Novak secured the crucial break. From there he managed the closing stages calmly, adding another break two games later to seal the victory.
Statistics: Aces (5–3), double faults (5–1), winners (38–24), unforced errors (35–39), total points won (101–80).
In the third round of Indian Wells, Novak will face American player of Serbian origin Aleksandar Kovacevic, who is currently ranked no. 72 in the ATP rankings.
It will be their second meeting. Djokovic won their only previous encounter in the first round of Roland Garros three years ago.
Photo: Profimedia