Novak Djokovic off to a good start at the Italian Open
Novak Djokovic had no problem seeing off Alexandr Dolgopolov in his opening match in Rome.
The 12-time Grand Slam champion has struggled to hit top form since he made his comeback from a small surgical procedure after the Australian Open, but he dealt with Dolgopolov with relative ease, winning 6-1, 6-3.
In under an hour @DjokerNole polishes off Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1 6-3 to improve to 43-7 lifetime at #ibi18.
A ?? opener for the 4-time champ. pic.twitter.com/td2DU7STa1
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 14, 2018
Djokovic will face either Nikoloz Basilashvili or Filippo Baldi in the second round.
Ninth seed David Goffin, who along with Djokovic lost against Britain’s Kyle Edmund in Madrid last week, also bounced back with a two-set win as he beat Leandro Mayer from Argentina 6-1, 6-2.
The 10th seed Pablo Carreno Busta overcame a poor second set to beat Jared Donaldson 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, and secure a clash against another American in Steve Johnson.
Kei Nishikori also didn’t have it all his own way as he beat Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 to set up a second-round encounter against third seed Grigor Dimitrov, while German Philipp Kohlschreiber battled to a 7-5, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (8-6) win over Karen Khachanov from Russia.
Also through are Aljaz Bedene, who beat Gilles Muller 6-4, 6-4 and Marco Cecchinato, who overcame Pablo Cuevas 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Latest
-
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.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.