Article
Djokovic Survives Kovacevic Scare, Former Champ Norrie Stuns De Minaur
3 Min Read · March 9, 2026
Novak Djokovic was put to the test by rising American Aleksandar Kovacevic on a gorgeous Monday afternoon in Tennis Paradise, but the five-time champion relied on his grace under pressure to oust the World No. 72 in a high-quality match that came down to the wire.
In the end, the difference between the 24-time major champion and Kovacevic could be chalkded up to a sliver of points in the final game, in which Djokovic capitalized on his chances to claim a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 victory and break yet another milestone.
By reaching his 113th round of 16 at Masters 1000 events, Djokovic passes Rafael Nadal and sits alone atop the all-time list. He is into the fourth round at Indian Wells for the first time since 2017 and will face either defending champion Jack Draper next.
Draper, now riding an eight-match winning streak in the California desert, pushed past Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo, 6-1, 7-5 in Stadium 2.
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Djokovic had to weather a serving storm to do it.
Kovacevic fired 16 aces past the Serbian icon but couldn’t hold serve to stay alive in the match in the final game.
“Huge credit to Aleks,” Djokovic said. “He played at a really high level. He's had a tremendous serving day. I’ve faced him only once earlier. I don't think we've ever faced each other on hard courts. For someone who is not extremely tall to serve this well and find the spots in the box, it was just really phenomenal serving, so huge credit to him.
“He was very close to winning today. It's unfortunate, but as I told him at the net, he's playing great and I’m sure that the future is bright for him.”
2021 champion Cameron Norrie earned his 13th career Top 10 win — and second in the California desert — by defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 in Stadium 3. The British southpaw improves to 3-2 against No. 6-ranked De Minaur and will face either Alexander Bublik or Rinky Hijikata next.
Norrie, into the fourth round in the California desert for the fourth time, loves the conditions in the desert — he’s 17-7 lifetime here.
