Fratangelo wins set off Djokovic in Indian Wells

Just outside the crowd of rising American teens sits Bjorn Fratangelo, a 22-year-old ranked No. 149. Before this week it’s possible you’ve never heard of his unique name. But in Indian Wells, Fratangelo made it through qualifying and won his first main-draw ATP match over No. 48-ranked Teymuraz Gabashvili to earn a night match against Novak Djokovic.

Thank you all for the support!!!!! Happy to get a tour win under my belt! Anyone have any tips for my next match?? #hesprettygood
— Bjorn Fratangelo (@BjornFratangelo) March 12, 2016

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Instead of being overwhelmed, the Boca Raton resident overpowered the world No. 1 and took the first set with play like this:

Wow! This is the kind of tennis that has allowed @BjornFratangelo to build a 3-0 lead against #Djokovic. #ATP https://t.co/ywAgvlOXft
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 14, 2016

22yr-old Bjorn Fratangelo No149 in the world just breezed past Novak Djokovic 62. Impossible is nothing? #BNPPO16 pic.twitter.com/85Lpf56UKV
— Miguel Cicenia (@miguelcicenia21) March 14, 2016

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Fratangelo eventually succumbed 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, but he has undoubtedly left his mark. This wasn’t Fratangelo’s first brush with tennis stardom. Named after Bjorn Borg, Fratangelo reached No. 2 as a junior, winning the boys’ French Open in 2011 over Dominic Thiem.

This is Dominic Thiem in 2011. Lost in the Junior RG final to Bjorn Fratangelo. Now has 5(4x250, 1x500) ATP titles. pic.twitter.com/1O2ERPm2wD
— Novax Djocovid (@DropVolleys) February 28, 2016

Wow, young Thiem’s hair was something special. It took Fratengelo four years to get his first ATP win. Maybe it was all just a short-lit spark of brilliance, but here’s hoping there’s more to come.