Novak Djokovic quiet on Andre Agassi link after reaching last 16 at Madrid Open

Novak Djokovic refused to comment on reports he is lining up Andre Agassi as his new coach after reaching the last 16 of the Madrid Open on Wednesday.

The 13-time major winner beat Nicolas Almagro 6-1 4-6 7-5 in his first match since parting ways with his entire coaching team, including long-term coach Marian Vajda.

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But Djokovic was in no mood to reveal his plans after battling back from a second set set-back to overcome the Spaniard.

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He told Sky Sports: "I'm not going to say anything about that. When the time comes and whenever I find the right person I'll let you guys know."

Djokovic described his win over Almagro as "another drama" in a disappointing campaign, following his quarter-final exit at the Monte Carlo Masters last month.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand in his match against Nicolas Almagro of Spain during day five of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 10, 2017 in Madrid, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

He added: "'I've lost many matches, many close, tough matches so I'm really glad that I've managed to overcome this one.'

Rafael Nadal was also made to work to reach the last 16 before dispatching Italy's Fabio Fognini 7-6 (7/3) 3-6 6-4.

Nadal, whose superb clay-court form has swept him to titles in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, hit back strongly after being broken by the world number 29 to drop the second set.

Fifth seed Milos Raonic beat Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 6-4 6-4, while sixth seed Kei Nishikori recovered from a nightmare first set to beat Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 1-6 6-0 6-4.

Other winners in the early action included Nick Kyrgios, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer, who secured a walkover victory against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga due to a shoulder injury.

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