Novak Djokovic puts sloppy start behind him in win over Gregor Dimitrov
Last Updated: March 13, 2013 7:22am
Novak Djokovic had to overcome a sluggish start before he defeated Gregor Dimitrov 7-6 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the Indian Wells ATP Masters.
The world No 1 trailed 4-1 in the opening set, but Dimitrov let his advantage slip with a string of errors and Djokovic battled back to win in 67 minutes.
Djokovic will get the chance to avenge his Paris Masters defeat by Sam Querrey - the last time he lost, 20 matches ago - after setting up a clash with the American, who defeated Marinko Matosevic 7-6 6-7 7-5.
The 21-year-old Dimitrov, the youngest remaining player in the draw, had the chance to serve for the set at 5-3, but four double faults surrendered a crucial break to the Serb.
This proved a turning point in the match as the ruthless Djokovic edged out the Bulgarian in the tie-break before cruising to victory in the second set.
"I tried to hang in there," Djokovic said. "I started very poor and he served well, but he made four double faults at 5-3 and got me back into the match.
"He made a lot of unforced errors and I just needed to get the ball back in the court."
