Miami: Novak Djokovic has been stretched to three sets but powered through the decider against Federico Delbonis to reach the round of 16 at the ATP Tour's Miami Open.
Djokovic, aiming for his seventh title in the Masters 1000 event, which moved this year to the Miami Dolphins' stadium complex, overcame a second-set hiccup to prevail 7-5, 4-6, 6-1.
Novak Djokovic reaches for a return against Federico Delbonis at the Miami Open. Credit:AP
Djokovic appeared on his way to an easy victory when he led 3-1 in the second set but he dropped serve twice in a row as Delbonis hit back before the world No.1 won a succession of long rallies in the final set and swept the last five games.
The win over Delbonis improved Djokovic's impressive record against Argentine players.
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According to the ATP Tour, only Juan Martin del Potro has beaten Djokovic, who is 36-3 against Argentines since 2007.
Next up for Djokovic will be Spanish 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who prevailed 6-4, 6-4 over Italian 15th seed Fabio Fognini.
Defending champion John Isner was broken in the first game but he held the rest of the way and served 16 aces to beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-5, 7-6 (8-6Read More
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