Number eight seed David Ferrer sealed his place in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells by overcoming the challenge of Ivan Dodig in three sets.

Dodig started the game in strong fashion as he matched the Spaniard's power around the court in the first set and managed to earn a crucial break to take it 6-4.

Ferrer's response was emphatic as he immediately took control of the second with an array of impressive strokes to put Dodig on the back foot. The 32-year-old broke the Croat's service game twice to take the set convincingly 6-1.

However, Dodig managed to regain his composure in the third to battle the Spaniard once again. Ferrer looked to be heading to victory when he earned a break of serve at 6-5, but Dodig broke back to take the match to a tie-break.

The contest proved to be just as close in the breaker, but the Spaniard's class showed as he took the game 8-6 to secure the match.

Ferrer will play Australian Bernard Tomic in the third round of the competition.