Djokovic wins ‘ugly’ to advance in Indian Wells but admits: ‘I’m not enjoying myself’

Highlights: Djokovic recovers to making winning start at Indian Wells
Video credit: SNTV
Novak Djokovic said he is “not really enjoying myself at all times” despite his third-round victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic at Indian Wells.
The Serbian claimed a 6-4 1-6 6-4 win over the American to advance into the fourth round at the California event for the first time since 2017.
The world No. 3, playing for the first time this week since his Australian Open final defeat, has now been taken to a final-set decider in both of his matches.
But after taking one step closer to a sixth Indian Wells title, the 38-year-old said “winning ugly” is “what counts”.
“I’m not really enjoying myself at all times, to be honest,” Djokovic said when asked about the demands of facing world No. 72 Kovacevic.
“You’re trying to thrive in these kinds of conditions where you’re facing an opponent playing lights-out tennis.
“But winning ugly, right? That’s what counts. I’m glad to be able to overcome the challenge today.”
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Video credit: SNTV
Djokovic took the opening set after an early break of serve, but Kovacevic drew level in the match after storming through the second set, with his opponent losing two of his three service games.
However, the five-time champion stepped up at the crucial point of the deciding set, securing a break while 5-4 up to seal the match.
“It was a great performance from Aleks. We know each other. We speak the same language. His whole family is Serbian,” said Djokovic.
“It’s great to see him doing well. He’s played a great tournament so far. I knew coming into the match that if he serves well and picks his spots, it was going to be hard to break him. That’s what happened, actually.”
Djokovic will now face Jack Draper in the fourth round following the British player’s victory over Francisco Cerundolo.
As reported by the ATP, with the win over Kovacevic, Djokovic became the second-oldest player to reach the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 event since the series began in 1990.
He has not advanced to this stage of the tournament for nine years, admitting after his second-round win that he has struggled at the venue.
“It [has] been very challenging lately for me in Indian Wells,” Djokovic said after coming from behind to beat Kamil Majchrzak.
“It has been hard for me to find my A-game, particularly in the beginning of the tournament in the past seven or eight years.
“I find that the wind here is one of the toughest on Tour. With the gusts coming in and out, changing direction, it is so, so difficult. Particularly from one end of the court and it puts extra tension.”
Djokovic will be back in action later in the day when he teams up with Stefanos Tsitsipas for a doubles encounter with Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic.
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