Djokovic kicks-off clay season with a 2-0 win

World number one Novak Djokovic started his participation in the Monte Carlo Masters series with a win over Ivan Gakhov (Russia), who started from the qualifiers, 7:6(5), 6:2 in an hour and 48 minutes of play.

The match was the Serbian’s first on clay this season and first since early March this year, when he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of the Dubai tournament.

The 35-year-old Novak Djokovic, who was resting in the first round, was a break down in the first set and trailed 3-4, but immediately leveled and had to go through a tiebreak to win the set. In the second set, he was more decisive against the 198th ranked Gakhov, made two breaks and won 6:2.

“It was a pleasure. You’re playing great, man.”

“You are the best. I hope to play more matches with you.”

More on this topic:

Djokovic shares heartfelt message as Nadal plays his last game

Respect at the net between world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and qualifier Ivan Garkhov 🤝

(via @TennisTV) pic.twitter.com/ptvpOTuVsP

— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 11, 2023

The opponent of the Serbian tennis star in the round of 16 will be the winner of the Italian clash between Lorenzo Musetti and Luca Nardi.