Novak Djokovic improves to 18-0 against Gael Monfils to advance at Madrid Open, could face Andy Murray next
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Updated 03/05/2022 at 21:29 GMT
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic proved too strong for Gael Monfils again as he advanced into the third round of the Madrid Open. Djokovic won in straight sets as he recorded his 18th straight victory against the Frenchman. Next up for Djokovic will be either Andy Murray or Denis Shapovalov, who meet later in the evening. Carlos Alcaraz also plays his first match against Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Djokovic into third round of Madrid Open after win over Monfils
Novak Djokovic improved his head-to-head record against Gael Monfils to 18-0 to reach the third round of the Madrid Open.
The world No. 1 was precise and clinical in a 6-3 6-3 win and will next face either Andy Murray or Denis Shapovalov, who meet later in the evening.
The win ensures Djokovic will remain top of the world rankings until at least next week.
Djokovic is a three-time champion in Madrid and is bidding for his first title of the season.
Having been pushed in every match in his previous outing in Belgrade, Djokovic said this week he was still not playing at his "desired level" as he continues to prepare for his French Open title defence.
But he produced arguably his best performance of the year to yet again beat Monfils, whose losing streak against the world No. 1 goes back to the 2005 US Open.
Djokovic fought his way out of early trouble, saving two break points from 15-40 down in the third game before the roof was closed due to rain with the score at 2-2.
Djokovic saved another break point after the match resumed and then won three of the next four games to take the set.
It was the first time Djokovic had won the opening set of a match since the second round in Dubai in February.
Djokovic took further control of the contest as he converted another break-point chance to move 2-1 ahead in the second set.
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Djokovic rates win over Monfils as his "best performance of the year"
Monfils showed some trademark quick speed around the court to stay alive, but another break in the seventh game saw Djokovic comfortably over the line.
Elsewhere, Marin Cilic won 6-3 3-6 6-4 against Albert Ramos and Hubert Hurkacz battled to a 7-5 6-7 (11) 6-3 win over Hugo Dellien.
Roberto Bautista Agut swept past Jenson Brooksby 6-0 6-2 and Cristian Garin beat Estoril Open runner-up Frances Tiafoe 6-1 6-3 in 61 minutes.
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