Djokovic and Hurkacz with flying start in Monte Carlo Masters

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic started his Monte Carlo Masters 1000 campaign on a high note, dispatching Russian Roman Safiullin with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory. With a prize fund of $5.95 million, the tournament set the stage for intense competition.

Skipping the Miami Open seemed to have rejuvenated Djokovic, who displayed remarkable form from the outset. He broke Safiullin’s serve three times in the first set and twice more in the second, wrapping up the match swiftly in just 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Having previously clinched titles in 2013 and 2015, the Serbian champion now awaits the winner of the Arthur Fils versus Lorenzo Musetti match. Notably, Musetti caused an upset by defeating Djokovic in the third round of last year’s Monte Carlo tournament.

The Novak Djokovic sliding backhand line.

Perfection @DjokerNole👌 pic.twitter.com/oNp4Xrkrx5

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— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 9, 2024

Hubert Hurkacz also progressed to the second round after a hard-fought battle against Jack Draper, winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(2). Despite initially taking a 3-0 lead, Hurkacz faced a resilient Draper who managed to level the sets. However, Hurkacz’s determination prevailed as he secured victory in the tiebreak.

Next, Hurkacz will take on Roberto Bautista Agut, who defeated Facundo Diaz Acosta 6-2, 6-4.

Elsewhere, Alex de Minaur showcased his prowess by defeating 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory, setting up a second-round clash against Talon Griekspoor. Additionally, Sebastian Korda advanced with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win over Alejandro Fokina, a finalist in 2022. Korda is now poised to face world number 2 Jannik Sinner in the next round.