Novak opened the 2024 clay court tournament season in style.
The oldest world no.1 in the history of the ATP Rankings, Novak Djokovic, recorded a routine 6-1, 6-2 win against Roman Safiullin in the second round of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Tuesday.
The match lasted only 69 minutes.
Novak produced a flawless performance. He claimed the first set breaking his rival three times. The Serbian ace took the momentum into the second set. Djokovic secured a break in the fourth game and held to consolidate it. One more break of serve came in the eighth and final game, and he smoothly sailed into the last 16.
“I am very pleased,” said Novak. “I think even the games that I lost I had break points in those games. It is a really great first match at the start of the clay season. It has always been a little bit up and down. Last year as well, I started off well at this tournament and the second match I lost, so I hope to maintain this rhythm. I have a day tomorrow of training and I hope to come out in a few days time with the same attitude and quality of tennis.”
Match statistics: aces (1-1), double faults (0-2), winners (16-14), unforced errors (9-24), total points won (62-33).
Novak goes on to face Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) in the third round, who defeated NextGenATP Arthur Fils (FRA) in straight sets.
Photo: Profimedia