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Djokovic is back at Indian Wells for the first time since 2019 having been unable to play the tournament because of United States COVID-19 entry laws and his lack of a vaccine, and he looked a little lost at times against the big-serving Vukic.

Indeed the 27-year-old Australian started the matched with a booming ace, but Djokovic did manage to break the first service game of Vukic before taking the opening set easily.

But Vukic lit up in the second set, winning a succession of lengthy points with his super serve and some blistering forehands, and would end the contest with 28 winners to Djokovic's 24.

He claimed the second set with a stunning forehand return on a Djokovic second serve which even he looked surprised by, but it was the least he deserved after a brilliant effort.

Djokovic, though, endured and got himself ahead in the deciding third set before claiming the match with a third match point that was superbly constructed.

"He played amazing," Djokovic said of the Australian, who is currently No.69 on the ATP rankings.

"The quality was really high, particularly in the second set and the beginning of the third, he really played some ripping forehands and crushing the serve. It was difficult to go through him."

Djokovic also expressed how happy he was to be back at Indian Wells after a five-year absence.

"It's amazing. Five years is a long time in professional tennis, but playing here last time in 2019 felt like it was yesterday ... It's awesome to be in tennis paradise."