Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu discover when they play next matches at Indian Wells
Novak Djokovic admits he needs to improve after his opening match at the ATP 1000 tournament at Indian Wells and he will get his chance to do just that in the night session against Italy’s Luca Nardi on Monday.
World number one Novak Djokovic was challenged in his match with Aleksandar Vukic, ultimately prevailing 6-2 5-7 6-3.
After Djokovic wrapped up the first set in just 34 minutes, Vukic powered his way back into the match in the second, using his brutal forehand to even the score at one set-a-piece.
However, Djokovic resettled in the third, picking up the decisive break in the fifth game of the third set before clinching the result in two hours and 10 minutes.
That match was played in the day session at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and now he will get the chance to play in what appears to be very different conditions at night.
Djokovic vs Nardi will be the first match on in the evening session on Monday night, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion eager to step up a level or two after his struggle against Vukic.
“Obviously I was a bit nervous at the beginning, whether I’m going to start off well,” said Djokovic after the Vukic matc.
“Haven’t played a match in more than five weeks. I thought the start was good. Obviously 6-2. Then, you know, I think he upped his game.
“I probably, yeah, lost a little bit of the momentum. We got into the third set, I thought the level of the tennis was pretty good in the third. Great points. He made me, you know, produce some really important points in games in order to prevail in this match.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu set for huge rankings boost after Indian Wells progress
“You know, I’m glad that I was pushed, as well, which is important. It’s always great and now I’m looking forward to the next one.
“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, you know, hopefully the rust is a bit, you know, off or at least a bit less rust that I’m feeling for the next match, and the continuation of this tournament.”
Djokovic’s match will follow what looks set to be a mouthwatering WTA Tour contest between reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
Sabalenka saved match points in an epic opening contest against America’s Peyton Stearns and Raducanu may see signs of weakness in the two-time Grand Slam champion as she chases what would be the biggest rankings win of her career.
She would also clamber back into the top 250 of the WTA live rankings with a win against Sabalenka, as she looks to clamber back to the top of the game after missing most fo 2023 with injury.
Raducanu’s clash with Sabalenka is second on the main stadium couurt at Indian Wells on Monday and will follow a compelling contest in the ATP draw between world No 7 Holger Rune and world No 26 Lorenzo Mussetti.
Coco Gauff, Daniil Medvedev and Naomi Osaka are all in action as the tournament moves into the buisness end, with big prize money and ranking points up for grabs.
