WATCH the Indian Wells Open LIVE in Australia on beIN SPORTS | Subscribe here and take advantage of our 7-day FREE TRIAL

“I was really nervous, it wasn’t easy to control the emotions,” the No.3 seed said after the.

“I had to be focused to calm down, to take control of the nerves and try and play good tennis. I think it did pretty well. I’m really happy to get through and start the title defence.

“It’s slow, the ball bounces a lot, the conditions are pretty good for me. I just love playing here. I feel at home, really calm off the court. The fans have always been good to me, so I just appreciate that love and support. Everything here suits me and my game.”