Novak Djokovic played his first clay match in 10 months on Tuesday, starting with a runaway 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Roman Safiullin to reach the third round at the Monte Carlo Masters
.The world No. 1 who has won the title in the principality twice but lost in his second match last year, had break points in all of his opponent’s service games.
Djokovic was playing his first Tour tournament since losing in the Indian Wells third round to Italian Luca Nardi more than a month ago.
He advanced in 71 minutes with 16 winners and nine unforced errors.
“I’m very pleased, this was a really good match to start the clay season,” the Serb said.
“The first matches can always be a bit up and down; I started here well a year ago and then lost the next match.
“I hope to maintain this rhythm and come out to pay with the same attitude and level of tennis.”
The 36-year-old is surprisingly without a title so far this season and would love to start making up the gap after failing to pass the quarter-final stage in his last seven appearances here.
The winner of 98 Tour titles earned victory on a day which began two hours last due to morning rain.
His fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic earned an upset victory as he put out last weekend’s Marrakech winner Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-1
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic winning in Monte Carlo today – by ATPTour.com.
