Novak Djokovic booked his place in the last 16 at Indian Wells as the five-time champion overcame a tough test against home hopeful Aleksandar Kovacevic. 

Djokovic, whose last title in California came back in 2016 against Milos Raonic, edged closer to yet another crown with a 6-4 1-6 6-4 victory in just over two hours on Monday.

The Serbian started the match on the front foot and broke his opponent in the third game, which proved to be decisive, though Kovacevic ended the opening set strongly. 

Kovacevic won 13 consecutive points on serve before levelling the match with an inspired second-set display as he capitalised on an unusual mid-match dip by Djokovic.

However, Djokovic was able to steady himself in the decider, despite appearing to injure his ankle, progressing into the next round after Kovacevic sent a backhand return long. 

"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. 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."

Tuff W! @DjokerNole outlasts a tough opponent in Kovacevic, securing his spot in the fourth round for the first time since 2017. @BNPPARIBASOPEN | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/Hj8fpoLAla

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 9, 2026

Data Debrief: Djokovic ends nine-year wait

Not since 2017 when he was beaten in the fourth round by Nick Kyrgios has Djokovic reached this stage of the competition at Indian Wells, and in doing so saw him surpass one of the 'Big Three'.

Djokovic has now reached a 113th career round of 16 at an ATP Masters 1000 event, eclipsing Rafael Nadal (112) for the outright most of any player since the format's introduction in 1990.

In addition, he also became the second-oldest player to reach the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 event since the series began, behind only Ivo Karlovic, who achieved the feat in Indian Wells in 2019 at the age of 40.