Novak Djokovic qualified for the round of 16 at Indian Wells, a stage he had not reached since 2017
Article by Roxana Fleşeru – Published Monday, 09 March 2026 22:44 / Updated Monday, 09 March 2026 22:55
Novak Djokovic (38 years old, 3 ATP) prevailed in the third round at Indian Wells against Aleksandar Kovacevic (27 years old, 72 ATP) 6-4, 1-6, 6-4. The former world leader, who won five times in the Californian desert, had not reached the round of 16 in nine years.
Novak Djokovic once again had to play a three-set match, having to overcome certain physical problems. After winning his debut match against Kamil Majchrzak (30 years old, 57 ATP) 1-6, 6-1, 6-2, in the third round he was challenged by American Aleksandar Kovacevic, whom he defeated 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
The former world leader thus returns to the round of 16 at Indian Wells after a nine-year break. Although Djokovic is a five-time Indian Wells champion, tied with Roger Federer for the most titles in the tournament's history, the 38-year-old admitted that in recent seasons he has struggled to rediscover his optimum level in the Californian desert. Last year he suffered a painful first round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Novak Djokovic, physical problems in the second set
Kovacevic, who first met his idol Djokovic at Flushing Meadows in 2005, tested the 24-time Grand Slam title holder throughout the match. The American kept close in the first set, then prevailed in the second with 6-1, and against the background of some physical problems that the Serb went through. In the deciding set, Djokovic found his rhythm, even if he had some problems with his ankle at the start, and prevailed after two hours and two minutes of play.
“Alex has had a magnificent evolution. We know each other very well because we speak the same language, his father is Serbian, we have a very good relationship. I always knew he was one of the most talented players on the circuit with his one-handed lapel. It is increasingly rare to see players with this shot. He had a great tour. I knew he was serving well, so it was going to be very complicated. He served very well, except for maybe one game in the first set and the last game of the match,” said Novak Djokovic on court.
With the win, Djokovic became the second-oldest player to reach the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament since the series' inception in 1990, after Ivo Karlovic, who accomplished the feat at Indian Wells in 2019 at the age of 40.
17 participationshas Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells, winning in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016
In the round of 16, Novak Djokovic will meet the winner of the match Jack Draper (24 years, 14 ATP) – Francisco Cerundolo (27 years, 20 ATP). The Briton is the untitled champion.
