Novak Djokovic had a tough match on his debut at Indian Wells 2024, the ATP leader losing a set to world number 69 Aleksandar Vukic of Australia (6-2, 5-7, 6-3).

Novak DjokovicPhoto: Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic / Profimedia

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As he’s shown in other events, it’s harder for Joker to warm up after a long break from tournaments (the last match he played was at the Australian Open, a semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner), and it was also evident against Vukic.

The first set, won by Nole 6-2, was followed by a second set in which the Serb was at a lower level, and Aleksandar sensed it and took advantage.

With an explosive forehand, Vukic triumphed in the second set 7-5, and the match was to be decided.

Sensing danger, Djokovic hit the accelerator again and the variation created in the third set gave the Australian a headache.

Nole avoided an unpleasant surprise and finished the return match (as it happens in many cases), the score 6-3. The game lasted two hours and 11 minutes and was a good test for the man looking to win his sixth title in the California desert.

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Know:

  • Djokovic will beat Italian Luca Nardi (123rd world ranking) in the third round. At the age of 20, he is a lucky loser at Indian Wells 2024, beating Zhizhen Zhang in the previous round.
  • The success with Aleksandar Vukic is special for Nole: it is the 400th victory in his career at tournaments of the Masters category (ATP 1000).
  • Joker holds the record for consecutive wins at Indian Wells: 20 from 2014 to 2017.
  • Novak has 5 Indian Wells titles, a record he (still) shares with Roger Federer. The Serb lifted the trophy in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
  • Novak leads the hierarchy of Masters titles won over time: 39 trophies. He is followed by Rafael Nadal (36) and Roger Federer (28 – retired from tennis).

The result of the match Djokovic – Vukic: