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Novak Djokovic made a successful return to Indian Wells after a five-year hiatus from the occasion however solely after being given a scare by world No 69 Aleksandar Vukic on Saturday evening.
Djokovic recorded the milestone four-hundredth Masters 1000 win of his profession with a 6-2 5-7 6-3 victory over the damaging Vukic.
“5 years is kind of a very long time for an expert tennis participant however on the similar time enjoying right here the final time in 2019 felt like yesterday,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I related with the group and everybody I have never seen in 5 years in a short time. Lots of people come to apply periods, not simply mine. It is wonderful to see that a lot ardour and respect and appreciation for tennis and tennis gamers. It is superior to be in Tennis Paradise.”
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Djokovic heaped reward on his opponent Vukic after a battling victory at Indian Wells
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Vukic hit this insane winner off a blistering second serve from Novak Djokovic to say the second set in sensational trend…
The world No 1 is gunning for a report sixth crown within the California desert after being unable to enter the US for the previous 5 years as a result of journey restrictions associated to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He received the event thrice in a row from 2014-2016 however misplaced within the third spherical to now-retired German Philipp Kohlschreiber in his final look in 2019.
Vukic had the higher of prolonged rallies in opposition to Djokovic, clubbing 19 winners from the baseline to Djokovic’s 13, together with 18 from the forehand wing.
However Djokovic received 83 per cent of factors on his first serve and restricted Vukic to successful simply 27 per cent of second-serve factors.
Djokovic paid tribute to Vukic’s attacking method to the match. “He performed wonderful and deserved nice credit score and applause,” the 36-year-old mentioned. “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 getting into. I type 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 model.”
The Serb will subsequent meet Italian fortunate loser Luca Nardi, who defeated China’s Zhang Zhizhen 6-3 3-6 6-3 on Monday.
Story of the Tape
‘Djokovic examined on his return’
Miles Maclagan on Sky Sports activities Tennis
“It was a extremely good contest in the long run and understandably Vukic got here out a littler nervy however he did nicely to claw himself again into an entertaining encounter the place he had Djokovic’s consideration at instances.
“He received numerous these longer rallies and his first serve was extraordinarily helpful and I believe he ought to take numerous encouragement and confidence from the way in which he was capable of play.
“Djokovic actually did not face any hassle within the third set however he was definitely examined on her return to the desert.”
Osaka continues her successful methods
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Naomi Osaka shared how her break from tennis has modified her outlook on the game and life
4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka saved up her successful methods with a 7-5 6-3 victory over No 14 seed Liudmila Samsonova.
Osaka, who received her first WTA title right here in 2018, is enjoying the fifth event of her return to tour after her 2023 maternity go away.
She is going to face Elise Mertens from Belgium on Monday.
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