Novak Djokovic battled back from a set and a break down to beat Laslo Djere in his opening match of the ATP event here on Wednesday, avoiding a third consecutive defeat. 

The World No.1 trailed 4-3 in the second set, but won a dramatic encounter against his fellow Serb 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) after three hours and 21 minutes. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is playing in just his third tournament of the season after being deported from Australia before the Australian Open over his COVID vaccination status. Djokovic also missed the Indian Wells and Miami Open events in the United States.