World no.1 and four-time winner Novak Djokovic overcame a slow start to beat no.149 in the ATP Rankings, American qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday. The top seed prevailed after one hour and 45 minutes of play.
Novak struggled in the early part of the match. He suffered two breaks of serve in the opening set, letting his rival, the 2011 French Open junior champion, dominate points.
The Serbian star recovered to get past unexpected challenge, stepping up his game to win the second and third sets in convincing fashion.
“He came out with a good game plan,” Novak said. “I started awful, but managed to regroup in the second set. I think the fifth game in the third was the deciding one. That break obviously meant that I can start to feel a bit more comfortable, play a little bit more aggressive on the court. It was swirly conditions. Trying to win with experience and with toughness in the clutch moments. That’s what helped me to prevail. A win is a win. Hopefully the next one will be better.”
Match statistics: aces (8-2), double faults (3-4), winners (22-13), unforced errors (33-35), total points won (89-67).
Making his 11th appearance in the Southern California desert, Djokovic notched his 17th match win of the year. He will next face 27th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber (7-1).
Photo: Getty Images
