ATP Indian Wells: Novak Djokovic kicks off campaign with win over Aleksandar Vukic

Novak Djokovic beat Aleksandar Vukic 6-2 5-7 6-3 in the opening round at Indian Wells as he bids to win the tournament for the first time in eight years.

The Serbian has the joint-most Indian Wells titles with five – alongside Roger Federer – but has not claimed victory in California since 2016 when he won the tournament for a third-straight year.

He began his charge for a record-breaking sixth title with an eventually comfortable win over the Australian, but he admitted that he can “always produce better tennis” in a harsh self-evaluation.

“Obviously, very self-critical,” Djokovic said after his win.

He continued: “I think [to] some extent it’s also important because then it puts you in the right mindset of wanting to work more and being engaged in the process of improving on a daily basis or trying to perfect your game and right the wrongs that you’ve done in a previous match or previous practise session.

“So that’s what I’m going to keep doing, and hopefully building my game as this tournament is played over 10 to 14 days. It allows you to have the practice days also between matches, which allows you to work on certain specifics in the game.

“I think as the tournament progresses, I believe my game will get better as well, I will feel more confident about myself and my chances to go far in the tournament. I have to take it step by step.”

Djokovic started brightly and cruised through the opening set as it looked as though the 36-year-old was in for a straightforward encounter.

However, Vukic, who is ranked No. 69 in the world, hit back to win the second and force a decider against the 24-time Grand Slam champion, with a potential shock on the cards.

But the world No. 1 held firm to see out the match in style and advance to the round of 32, despite admitting to feeling nervous after dropping a set.

“It was very important,” Djokovic said on the win. “Obviously, at one point, I was a bit worried because I lost a set and then in the beginning of [the] third it was kind of going toe to toe.

“But I thought the chances will come. Stay in the match and try to raise the level of tennis.”

On his opponent, Djokovic added: “I have to give him credit because he stepped it up. He served well, ripping forehands towards the end of the second, beginning of the third, and was just deservedly still in the match.

“Could I have done some things better? Yeah, of course I could. But hopefully [there is a] bit less rust that I’m feeling for the next match and the continuation of this tournament.”

Djokovic will face lucky loser Luca Nardi on Monday, as he continues his battle for what would be a record-extending 41st ATP Masters 1000 title.