Novak Djokovic says he will have to play his best against Juan Martin del Potro in their highly-anticipated third rounder in Indian Wells.

Djokovic has split his two most recent meetings with Del Potro, including a narrow victory against the Argentine in Acapulco two weeks ago.

“You know, he's [a] tough player to beat,” Djokovic told reporters in Indian Wells. “He's big guy [with a] big serve, big forehand. Definitely not the draw that you like early in the tournament. I have played him some weeks ago in Acapulco.

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“You know, it went down to [the] last couple of points. I don't expect anything less than that. Very even match, and I've got to give it [my] all.”

The winner will meet the winner of the third-rounder between Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev, in a quarter that also includes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic is the three-time defending champion.

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Djokovic knows he'll have to be at his best against Del Potro

Djokovic knows he'll have to be at his best against Del Potro

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