Indian Wells: Federer, Djokovic in third round

The Swiss great, who claimed his 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne in January, needed just 51 minutes to get past the 81st-ranked Robert in the first meeting between the two.

Roger Federer breezed into the third round with a straight-set win.

Australian Open champion Roger Federer breezed into the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters on Sunday, overwhelming Stephane Robert 6-2, 6-1.

The Swiss great, who claimed his 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne in January, needed just 51 minutes to get past the 81st-ranked Robert in the first meeting between the two.

He next faces American Steve Johnson, who dispatched South African Kevin Anderson 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4).

Novak Djokovic opened his defense of his title with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Briton Kyle Edmund.

The World No. 2 from Serbia, whose five Indian Wells titles include three in the past three years, had to battle back in the second set against the 46th-ranked Edmund to force the tiebreaker and put it away in straight sets.

"First match played, really a big test," said Djokovic. "Throughout most of the second set, he was the better player. Just a few points decided that second set."

Things likely won't get any easier for the World No. 2, who faces former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the third round after del Potro defeated fellow Argentine Federico del Bonis 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.