Novak Djokovic fights off Borna Coric to book Dominic Thiem clash
Novak Djokovic overcame Borna Coric to set up a third-round clash with Dominic Thiem at the Monte Carlo Masters.
After dropping just one game in his 6-0, 6-1 win over Dusan Lajovic in the first round, he found things more difficult against another Serb in Coric.
However, he still came through the challenge as he won 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 in two hours and 18 minutes.
??and ?? battle!
[10th time’s a charm!] ??
Two-time #RolexMCMasters champion @DjokerNole converts MP #10 to defeat Borna Coric 7-6(2) 7-5 and reach third round. pic.twitter.com/IRImNl0Z9y
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 18, 2018
Djokovic broke in game four of the opening set, but Coric hit back in game seven only to then lose the tie-breaker.
The first three games of the second set went against serve and it was the 12-time Grand Slam winner who opened up a 3-1 lead and he found himself serving for the match at 5-4, but he couldn’t see it home as Coric broke back.
Djokovic, though, eventually go the job done a couple of games later, but in the end he needed 10 match points to get over the line and set up a last-16 encounter against Thiem.
The 11th seed Roberto Bautista Agut also advanced as he claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) win over fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez while former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori beat Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2.
However, 15th seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas crashed out as he lost 6-4, 6-1 against German Philipp Kohlschreiber, who will face Grigor Dimitrov next.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”