Novak Djokovic was far from convincing, but still managed to secure his spot in the next round at Indian Wells last night.
That did not seem likely though when the 38-year-old went down a double break, eventually losing that opening set to Kamil Majchrzak.
However, he showed remarkable spirit to fight back and claim the win, assessing a difficult afternoon immediately afterwards.
His words do not inspire confidence for his chances of going on to challenge for this Indian Wells title.
Novak Djokovic reveals his Indian Wells struggles
He told a reporter court-side: “Well, it was very challenging, as it is lately for me in Indian Wells, to be honest. It’s kind of hard to find my A-game, particularly at the beginning of the tournament in the last seven, eight years of coming here, so just glad to overcome a challenge.
“I know what I need to do on the court but obviously, it’s completely different practising and playing those practice sets, and coming into the official match.”
Novak Djokovic then went on to explain just how tough he finds these conditions, adding: “I find that the wind here is one of the toughest on the tour, just on a day like this, with the gusts of wind coming in and out, changing directions, it’s so, so difficult.
“If you’re not feeling the ball well, then you are in big trouble. It’s what happened for me in the first set, in the last couple years.
“But as I said, I managed to find the right game and never looked back. I’m glad just to overcome. It was a tough mental, physical battle, just looking forward to the next one.”
The signs that the Serbian was set to struggle were established pre-tournament, after Djokovic lost a practice match with Daniil Medvedev before his first match.
Novak Djokovic on collision course with Jack Draper at Indian Wells
Having beaten Majchrzak, Djokovic has now set up a Round of 16 clash with Aleksandar Kovacevic.
And, should he beat the American, the 24-time major champion could then meet Jack Draper in the quarterfinals.
Naturally, the Brit needs to win his next match against Francisco Cerundolo, but should he achieve that feat, it would be the first time he has faced Djokovic since their Centre-Court showdown at Wimbledon in 2021.
This was Draper’s first-ever Grand Slam appearance, and he stunned the world by stealing the first set from the two-time defending champion.
He would go on to lose in four sets, but since then the gap between them has shortened significantly.
It will be really interesting to see which way this match goes, should it happen.