By Chris Oddo | Wednesday, March 18, 2015

 

John Isner brought his "A" game, but Novak Djokovic was still too good, prevailing in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals at Indian Wells.

Photo Source: Julian Finney/Getty

In one of the most intense battles of a busy Wednesday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic fought off an inspired effort from American John Isner to book a spot in the quarterfinals.

More: Federer Flies Past Sock and into Quarters

The defending champ ramped up his world-class return game in the seventh game of the opening set to break Isner’s daunting serve, then held the rest of the way to take the lead.

Isner threatened to return the favor in the second set but Djokovic saved both break points he faced to force a tiebreaker.

Though the wiry American had won six of eight previous tiebreakers against Djokovic, it was the Serb who got the all-important mini-break to lead 5-3 when Isner muffed a backhand volley into the net.

Djokovic would earn a double match point at 6-4, but Isner would save the first when he picked a remarkable stretch volley from off his shoetops, depositing the ball down the line for a clean and improbable winner.

Djokovic got a look at a second serve on his second match point, and closed the victory when an Isner inside-out forehand sailed wide after a spirited rally.

Tragically, It was Isner’s 11th consecutive loss against the Top 10.

Djokovic, who is searching for his fourth Indian Wells title and his 50th career title overall, will face Australia’s Bernard Tomic in the quarterfinals.