Miami: Novak Djokovic advanced to the last 16 of Miami Open with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victory over spirited Federico Delbonis here at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday.
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The Serbian was frustrated in the first set and threatened to quit the clash ifhis demand for light at Hard Rock Stadium not accepted during the match.
Though umpire accepted Djokovic's demand he was forced to toil hard to earn the victory against the Argentine.
The 31-year-old is expected to eclipse Andre Agassi’s six ATP crowns at Miami Open over the next week.
Although Djokovic suffered a scare he still possessed enough quality during the key moments to see off the battling Delbonis.
He was not happy with his mistakes as he let 5-2 advantage to his opponent in the first set before winning it 7-5.
In the second set, Djokovic became angry with himself as he conceded it before battling back to win the third.
Now, Djokovic will require to work on his game if he wants to reach next Sunday’s final with Roberto Bautista Agut waiting in the fourth round after the Spaniard defeated Italian Fabio Fognini 6-4, 6-4.
"Federico is playing well and it was really close at the start of the third set," said Djokovic who smashed 36 winners compared to 24 from Delbonis -- whose excellent performance was punctuated with five double faults and a 67% success rate on his first serve.
"It was an exciting match and I am just pleased that I managed to hold my nerve," Djokovic said. "I got down on myself and Federico started swinging," he added.
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Djokovic had looked impressive in the second round win over Bernard Tomic and the Serbian continued his decent form by immediately imposing himself onto the Argentine.Miami: Novak Djokovic advanced to the last 16 of Miami Open with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victory over spirited Federico Delbonis here at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday.
