INDIAN WELLS, Calif. _ Novak Djokovic had a slow start Saturday but his swift and triumphant ending was what mattered. The world's No. 1 player came to life after being down 3-5 to American qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo in the first set and went on to earn a 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory at Stadium Court 1, Djokovic's 50th win at the BNP Paribas Open.
"I was a bit rusty in the first set," Djokovic said of not competing for five weeks. "I was fortunate to get through this one."
Djokovic is a five-time champion at this tournament and last won in 2016. That year, like this one, he drew Fratangelo as his first opponent after he got a first-round bye. Fratangelo took the first set from him three years ago but was stymied this time despite taking a 5-4 lead in the tiebreaker.
Djokovic finished with 28 winners and 20 unforced errors. His next opponent will be Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany.
