Preview: Novak Djokovic vs Aleksandar Kovacevic prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head: Indian Wells Open 2026
Djokovic registered a remarkable comeback from a set down in his opening round.
Novak Djokovic battled back from a set down to defeat Kamil Majchrzak 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the second round of the Indian Wells Open 2026.
The five-time champion struggled early against the Polish player, who broke twice to claim the opening set. However, Djokovic gradually found his rhythm from the baseline, improving his consistency and intensity to take control of the match.
After resetting his game, the Serbian dominated the final two sets, breaking Majchrzak multiple times to complete the comeback in two hours and twelve minutes.
The victory marked a strong start to Djokovic’s campaign in California, where he aims to overcome recent struggles at the tournament and make a deeper run this year.
Aleksandar Kovacevic, meanwhile, produced a big upset in the opening round against Hubert Hurkacz, and then stunned the 31st seed Corentin Moutet. With an impressive success rate on first serves, he will now look to deliver a shocking result against the Serbian.
Match details
- Tournament: Indian Wells Open 2026
- Round: Third Round
- Date: March 9
- Venue: Indian Wells, United States
- Surface: Hard​
​Preview
World No. 3 Djokovic will continue his campaign at the Indian Wells Open 2026 with a third-round encounter against American Aleksandar Kovacevic.
The Serbian veteran arrives after overcoming a tricky opening match where he rallied from a set down to defeat Kamil Majchrzak. Despite a slow start, Djokovic gradually raised his level and dominated the final two sets, showing the resilience that has defined his career.
Kovacevic, meanwhile, will enter the contest with confidence after an impressive run to the third round. His run at the desert so far has already been his best this year, after disappointing outings in Melbourne, Dallas and Mexico.
Djokovic currently leads the head-to-head record 1-0 against Kovacevic. Their only previous meeting came at the French Open 2023, where the Serbian secured a comfortable straight sets victory in the opening round.
Form
- Novak Djokovic: W-L-W-W-W
- Aleksandar Kovacevic: W-W-L-W-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 1
- Novak Djokovic: 1
- Aleksandar Kovacevic: 0
Stats
Novak Djokovic
- Djokovic has a 6-1 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Djokovic has a 52-11 win-loss record at Indian Wells
- Djokovic has won 84% of matches played on hard courts
Aleksandar Kovacevic
- Majchrzak has a 9-8 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Majchrzak has a 2-4 win-loss record at Indian Wells
- Majchrzak has won 57% of matches played on hard courts
Novak Djokovic vs Aleksandar Kovacevic: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Djokovic: -833, Kovacevic +550
- Spread: Djokovic -4.5 (-112), Kovacevic +4.5 (-108)
- Total Games: Over 20.5 (+100), Under 20.5 (-120)
- First Set Winner: Djokovic -455, Kovacevic +330
Match prediction
While Kovacevic has shown encouraging form in the tournament, Djokovic’s experience, defensive ability and consistency in long rallies make him the clear favourite.
If the Serbian sharpens his level after the opening round, he should be able to neutralize Kovacevic’s serve and dictate play from the baseline, likely progressing with a straight sets win.
Result: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.
Where and how to watch live telecast and live streaming of Novak Djokovic vs Aleksandar Kovacevic, third-round match at Indian Wells Open 2026?
The third-round match will be broadcast on FanCode for Indian viewers. Sky UK in the United Kingdom and Tennis Channel in the United States are the official broadcasters for their respective regions.
Where and when will Novak Djokovic vs Aleksandar Kovacevic third-round match take place at Indian Wells Open 2026?
The round of 32 match will be held at the main court on March 9 (Monday). It is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM local time and 11:30 pm IST in India.
What is the head-to-head record between Novak Djokovic and Aleksandar Kovacevic?
They have clashed once previously on tour and the Serbian leads Kovacevic 1-0, thanks to win straight sets win at the 2023 US Open.
Who is the favourite to win this round of 32 match at Indian Wells Open 2026?
While Kovacevic has shown encouraging form in the tournament, Djokovic’s experience, defensive ability and consistency in long rallies make him the clear favourite.
If the Serbian sharpens his level after the opening round, he should be able to neutralize Kovacevic’s serve and dictate play from the baseline, likely progressing with a straight sets win.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.