Djokovic Passes Fratangelo Test

World No. 149 Bjorn Fratangelo gave Novak Djokovic a stern test on Sunday at the BNP Paribas Open, stretching the world's best player the distance in their second-round clash.
The 22-year-old Fratangelo showed little sign of nerves as he took the first set from Djokovic before the World No. 1 ultimately claimed a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory in one hour and 46 minutes in front of an enthralled crowd on Stadium 1.
"I must admit that he has played really good tennis, especially in the first set," said Djokovic. "He came out with a good game plan, knowing what to do.

"I started awful. Haven't played really great except in the second set. Other than that, just finding a way to win.

"Today is one of those days where you don't feel the ball well. It was swirly conditions, and just being tough. Trying to win with experience and with toughness in the clutch moments. That's what helped me to prevail.

"The fifth game of the third [set] 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. All in all, it was just not a great performance.

"But, you have to deal with it, accept it. A win is a win. Hopefully the next one will be better."
Fratangelo had won his first tour-level match when he defeated Teymuraz Gabashvili in the first round at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The 28-year-old Djokovic is chasing a record fifth title at the BNP Paribas Open, where he lifted the trophy in 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2015.
Djokovic has lost just one match all year, when he was forced to retire with an eye problem in the Dubai quarter-finals. The Belgrade native opened the season with victories in Doha (d. Nadal) and at the Australian Open (d. Murray). He goes on to face Philipp Kohlschreiber, who routed Denis Kudla 6-0, 6-1 in just 45 minutes.

Source: BNP Paribas Open