Novak Djokovic made a successful return to the Indian Wells Masters after a 5-year hiatus. For various reasons, the world No. 1 had not played in the Californian desert since 2019, and tonight in a second-round match of the tournament he defeated Australian Aleksandar Vukic 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
Djokovic dominated the first set, giving only two games to his opponent, but was surprised by Vukic's aggressive play in the second set, which he lost 5-7. In the decisive third set, Jokera turned up the heat and prevailed 6-3 to record anniversary victory number 400 at the Masters level. Only Rafael Nadal has more series wins, but Djokovic holds the record for titles with 40.
In the next round, Djokovic, who is a five-time champion in Indian Wells but last triumphed in 2016, will meet Italy's Luca Nardi, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser but has recorded two consecutive successes.
Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Gael Monfils and Hugo Umber also qualified for the third round of the tournament. /BGNES
