Djokovic downs Edmund to advance at Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic opened his defense of his Indian Wells Masters title on Sunday with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Briton Kyle Edmund.

The world number two from Serbia, whose five Indian Wells titles include three in the past three years, had to battle back in the second set against the 46th-ranked Edmund to force the tiebreaker and put it away in straight sets.

“First match played, really a big test,” said Djokovic. “Throughout most of the second set, he was the better player. Just a few points decided that second set.”

Things likely won’t get any easier for the world number two, who faces former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the third round after del Potro defeated fellow Argentine Federico del Bonis 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.