Novak Djokovic remains on track to retain his title at the BNP Paribas Open as four-times champion Roger Federer and three-time winner Rafa Nadal set up a last-16 clash at Indian Wells.
Three-time defending champion Djokovic came through his test on Tuesday, beating Juan Martin del Potro 7-5 4-6 6-1.
The Serbian second seed will face Nick Kyrgios, who beat Alexander Zverev in a battle of young talents, in the loaded quarter of the draw at the ATP 1000 event.
The winner of that encounter takes on either Federer or Nadal in a quarter-final after the two greats advanced.
As if you needed a reason to get more amped for #FedalXXXVI... #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/uV2z5PuWkR
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2017
Djokovic outguns Delpo
Djokovic was always going to be pushed by Del Potro, but he managed to fight out a three-set victory.
The Serbian showed some improved form, particularly when it mattered, as Del Potro won just three return points in the deciding set.
.@DjokerNole IW and we him too #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/pH7oDuPnxt
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2017
