Novak Djokovic admitted that he was left feeling concerned during his match against Aleksandar Vukic in Indian Wells.

Novak Djokovic admitted that he was worried during his three-set win in Indian Wells (Image: Getty)

Novak Djokovic has admitted that he was “worried” about his fate at the Indian Wells Masters after dropping a set to Alexander Vukic in his opening match. Competing for the first time since his shock Australian Open exit in January, Djokovic eventually overcame the world No. 69 6-2 5-7 6-3.

Djokovic is back competing in Indian Wells for the first time in five years. But his return to the desert was almost cut short when he was left fearful after losing the second set on Saturday night. The world No. 1 flew through the opener in 35 minutes and looked en route to a routine victory.

But the 27-year-old Australian suddenly stepped it up, earning an early break against Djokovic in the second set. The five-time Indian Wells champion managed to get back on serve but Vukic broke again in the final game to take the set and force a decider. That was when the top seed started to feel concerned.

“Obviously at one point I was, you know, a bit worried because I lost a set, and then in beginning of third it was kind of going toe to toe,” Djokovic said after winning his first match since January 23. “But I thought, you know, the chances will come, you know, as I, you know, stay in the match and try to raise the level of tennis.”

Novak Djokovic dropped a set to Aleksandar Vukic

As usual, the 24-time Grand Slam winner was also full of praise for his opponent as he added: “I have to, you know, give him credit because he stepped it up. He served well, ripping forehands towards the end of the second, beginning of the third, and was just deservedly still in the match.

“Could I have done some things better? Yeah, of course I could. But, you know, hopefully the rust is a bit, you know, off or at least a bit less rust that I’m feeling for the next match, and the continuation of this tournament.”

As well as competing in Indian Wells for the first time since 2019, the match marked Djokovic’s first since he lost to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-final. And the world No. 1 was left feeling nervous as he returned to competition after taking a break for more than a month.

Novak Djokovic was playing in his first match since January

“It feels great obviously to come back with the win. It’s been five years, and, you know, the great feeling is still there. Enjoyed myself very much. Beautiful stadium. Great atmosphere. Obviously I was a bit, you know, nervous at the beginning whether I’m going to start off well,” he explained.

“Haven’t played a match in more than five weeks. I thought the start was good. Obviously 6-2. Then, you know, I think he upped his game. I probably lost a little bit of the momentum. We got into the third set, I thought the level of the tennis was pretty good in the third.

“Great points. He made me, you know, produce some really important points in games in order to prevail in this match. You know, I’m glad that I was pushed, as well, which is important. It’s always great. You know, looking forward to the next one.”