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
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray believes he can still play at the Australian Open as he plots return to action
Former world No.1 Andy Murray is still hopeful of playing in next month’s Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Players are urged not to feed the mice in their hotel rooms as Heather Watson turns to Tik Tok
Britain’s Heather Watson has turned to Tik…
-
News
On this day in 2014: Stan Wawrinka ends Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open run
The Swiss won a five-set epic to deny Djokovic a piece of history.
-
News
Novak Djokovic hits back at allegations of being ‘selfish, difficult and ungrateful’
Djokovic says he finds it tough to be ‘a mere onlooker’.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open boss defends ‘better deal’ for the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams
Big-name players self-isolating in Adelaide.
-
ATP Tour
Rotterdam Open boss reveals delight as ‘one of his all-time favourite players’ Rafael Nadal joins field
Rafael Nadal will return to Rotterdam.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut says quotes comparing quarantine to ‘jail, but with WiFi’ was ‘taken out of context’
Roberto Bautista Agut issues an apology.
-
News
More coronavirus cases linked to arrivals for Australian Open
Australian Open boss said the safety of the Victorian community will not be compromised.
-
Tennis News
Big boost for LTA’s innovation drive as it signs deal with UK distributor of the Slinger Bag
LTA signs deal with Framework Sports & Marketing Ltd.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open chief defends Novak Djokovic over quarantine note, saying ‘they were suggestions’
Craig Tiley jumps to Novak Djokovic’s defence.