Novak Djokovic regarded rusty as he began his clay-court season however nonetheless emerged with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 win towards qualifier Ivan Gakhov on the Monte Carlo Masters.
The two-time Monte Carlo champion had not performed since shedding to Daniil Medvedev within the semi-finals of the Dubai Championships 5 weeks in the past, which ended the Australian Open champion’s 20-match profitable streak.
The 35-year-old Djokovic, who suffered an opening-round exit final yr within the Principality, struggled with consistency within the first set on Tuesday and took time to seek out his marks on the gradual floor.
But he performed extra aggressively within the second set and broke for 3-2, then didn’t look again to succeed in the third spherical.
“I have not played my best, particularly in the first set,” mentioned Djokovic, who saved three of the 4 break factors he confronted. “All in all, I’m just pleased with the way I held my nerves in important moments.”
Djokovic’s subsequent opponent might be Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti or his compatriot Luca Nardi.
Alexander Zverev additionally began his clay season with a win however dropped a set in a 3-6 6-2 6-4 victory over Alexander Bublik.
The No.13 seed was taking part in on clay for the primary time since a critical proper ankle harm pressured him to retire within the French Open semi-finals towards Rafael Nadal final yr.
Zverev mentioned he wanted to “get the injury out of my head” and get used to sliding once more.
“It felt awful at times to be honest, but he made me feel awful,” Zverev mentioned. “Tactically he played well, he didn’t let me play my game at all. He didn’t let me have my rhythm and he almost won the match, just a few points here and there.”
Two-time semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov additionally superior by beating American Ben Shelton 6-1 3-6 6-3. The 20-year-old Shelton examined Dimitrov in a tense contest that lasted greater than two hours.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
