Djokovic battles through as Alcaraz starts flawlessly at Indian Wells

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Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and reigning champion Jack Draper all claimed victories to progress at the Indian Wells Open.

Djokovic, a five-time champion in the California desert, required three sets to see off Kamil Majchrzak.

Playing in his first match since losing to Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in early February, Djokovic prevailed 4-6 6-1 6-2.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, had no trouble in swatting aside Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-3 to start his campaign in style.

The Spaniard, who has won the title twice at Indian Wells, extended his winning streak on the ATP Tour to 13 matches and only offered up one break point, which he saved.

Draper started his title defence with a cagey, comeback win over Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 6-2 in what was his first match back since returning from a long injury lay-off.

"It felt great because of such good memories here from last year but, at the same time, difficult because I am probably underprepared for this tournament compared to how I would like it to be," Draper told BBC Sport.

"I started a little slow, but then fought back hard and found some really good level towards the end. I can only go in one direction from here."

Joao Fonseca saved two match points to defeat Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-4, while there were also wins for Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur.

Carlos Alcaraz noses ahead of Federer

Alcaraz (77.98%, 85-24) has now surpassed Roger Federer (77.91%, 381-108) for the third-highest win rate of any player at ATP Masters 1000 events (minimum 10 matches played).

Fonseca, meanwhile, became the second-youngest man to reach the Indian Wells third round this decade, with only Alcaraz (18 in 2022) doing so at a younger age than the 19-year-old Brazilian.

Cameron Norrie also made it through, with De Minaur up next.

Norrie is just the fourth British player to claim 50 match wins at ATP Masters 1000 events along with Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski.