At the Monte-Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked player, smoothly sailed past Roman Safiullin with a decisive score of 6-1, 6-2, marking his 14th entry into the third round at the Principality.
Arriving in Monte-Carlo without a title victory this season, Djokovic's previous best was a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open. Despite his track record of not advancing beyond the quarter-finals in his seven prior appearances in Monte-Carlo, the Serbian ace is determined to alter that narrative this week.
In his debut match as the oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings history at 36 years old, Djokovic showcased sheer dominance against Safiullin. Employing impeccable shot depth, he coerced errors from his opponent, securing victory after just one hour and 10 minutes of play, as per ATP reports.
Adapting swiftly to the challenging conditions post-morning rainfall, Djokovic surged ahead, claiming the initial four games to establish a commanding 4-0 lead and clinching the first set in a mere 33 minutes. His authority persisted into the second set, culminating in a final winner-to-unforced error ratio of 16-9.
A seasoned contender with 98 tour-level titles to his name, Djokovic boasts two previous triumphs at Monte-Carlo in 2013 and 2015. His upcoming third-round encounter pits him against Lorenzo Musetti, who secured a victory over Arthur Fils with a score of 6-3, 7-5. Notably, Musetti, aged 22, caused an upset by defeating Djokovic at the same stage in Monte-Carlo last season.
Meanwhile, Djokovic's compatriot, Miomir Kecmanovic, halted Matteo Berrettini's winning streak by dispatching the Marrakech champion with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory in just 75 minutes, setting the stage for a third-round showdown against Grigor Dimitrov.
Read also | March 2024 ICC Players of the Month: Mendis and Bouchier Shine Bright
Read also | India's Quest for Unity: Keeping the 5-Test Hockey Series Alive Against Australia
