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Novak Djokovic appeared rusty as he began his clay-court season however nonetheless emerged with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 win towards qualifier Ivan Gakhov on the Monte Carlo Masters.
The 2-time Monte Carlo champion had not performed since dropping to Daniil Medvedev within the semi-finals of the Dubai Championships 5 weeks in the past, which ended the Australian Open champion’s 20-match profitable streak.
The 35-year-old Djokovic, who suffered an opening-round exit final 12 months within the Principality, struggled with consistency within the first set on Tuesday and took time to search out his marks on the sluggish floor.
However he performed extra aggressively within the second set and broke for 3-2, then didn’t look again to succeed in the third spherical.
“I’ve not performed my finest, significantly within the first set,” mentioned Djokovic, who saved three of the 4 break factors he confronted. “All in all, I am simply happy with the best way I held my nerves in vital moments.”
Djokovic’s subsequent opponent will likely be Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti or his compatriot Luca Nardi.
Alexander Zverev additionally began his clay season with a win however dropped a set in a 3-6 6-2 6-4 victory over Alexander Bublik.
The No.13 seed was enjoying on clay for the primary time since a severe proper ankle damage compelled him to retire within the French Open semi-finals towards Rafael Nadal final 12 months.
Zverev mentioned he wanted to “get the damage out of my head” and get used to sliding once more.
“It felt terrible at occasions to be sincere, however he made me really feel terrible,” Zverev mentioned. “Tactically he performed effectively, he did not let me play my recreation in any respect. He did not let me have my rhythm and he virtually gained the match, just some factors right here and there.”
Two-time semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov additionally superior by beating American Ben Shelton 6-1 3-6 6-3. The 20-year-old Shelton examined Dimitrov in a tense contest that lasted greater than two hours.
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