Djokovic off to winning start in Indian Wells, Musetti scrapes past Shapovalov

Novak Djokovic is enjoying in “Tennis Paradise” for the primary time since 2019. He would really like nothing greater than to creating a triumphant return to the BNP Paribas Open together with his sixth title.

After all, Djokovic has a protracted method to go earlier than that may occur–however he gave himself an opportunity by successful his opening match on Saturday afternoon. The world No. 1 was compelled to work exhausting, however he got here up with sufficient items to defeated Aleksandar Vukic 6-2, 5-7, 7-3 in two hours and 11 minutes.

“5 years is kind of a very long time for knowledgeable tennis participant, however on the identical time enjoying right here the final time in 2019 felt like yesterday,” Djokovic stated. “I linked with the gang and everybody I haven’t seen in 5 years in a short time. Lots of people come to follow classes, not simply mine. It’s superb to see that a lot ardour and respect and appreciation for tennis and tennis gamers.

“It’s superior to be in Tennis Paradise.”

A bit of little bit of Djokovic rust and loads of spectacular tennis by Vukic resulted in a surprisingly aggressive match.

“He performed superb and deserved nice credit score and applause,” the top-seeded Serb praised. “The group actually appreciated his tennis and the standard was actually excessive. He performed some ripping forehands and crushing serves. It was troublesome to undergo him.

“He was going for it and it was entering into. I form of managed to crack the code within the third set and as soon as I broke his serve I felt I stepped it up a bit and completed off the match in type.”

Djokovic is joined within the final 32 by Holger Rune, Taylor Fritz, Grigor Dimitrov, and Lorenzo Musetti. Rune obtained a walkover from an injured Milos Raonic; Musetti got here again from a break down within the third set to defeat Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 2-6, 7-5.

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You may observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.