Novak Djokovic overcomes stubborn Gilles Simon to progress in Monte Carlo

Updated 19/04/2017 at 07:36 GMT

Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided an early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday with a 6-3 3-6 7-5 victory over Gilles Simon.

Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided an early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters

Image credit: Reuters

It was a hard-fought match between the world no.2 and Simon, currently ranked at no.32.

After a sketchy start, in which both players lost their opening serves, Djokovic struggled to break through, and just managed to get the better of Simon to go 5-3 up and serve out the first set.

Monte Carlo Masters

Nadal beats Ramos-Vinolas to lift Monte-Carlo Masters

23/04/2017 at 14:22

However, a determined Simon fought back after being broken early in the second set to go on to win 6-3.

Djokovic gave Simon an opportunity to finish the job quickly in the final set but he made a prompt comeback to shut down the Frenchman's subsequent serve.

At the 11th hour, Djokovic lost his serve to give Simon the advantage, but immediately broke back to take the third set to 5-5.

After holding his next serve comfortably, he narrowly avoided a tie-break by just edging past Simon to win his 11th match of the 12 between the two despite hitting 43 unforced errors.

Elsewhere in the second round of the tournament, David Goffin progressed after a 7-5 6-1 win over Nicolas Almagro, and Pablo Cuevas beat Joao Sousa 6-3 6-3.

Meanwhile Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made a surprise early exit after he was beaten 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 6-3 by Adrian Mannarino.

Monte Carlo Masters

Nadal cruises past Goffin to reach 11th final in Monte Carlo

22/04/2017 at 17:36

Monte Carlo Masters

Goffin upsets Djokovic to make Monte-Carlo semi-finals

21/04/2017 at 17:45

Monte Carlo Masters

Murray throws away 4-0 third-set lead in defeat to Ramos-Vinolas

20/04/2017 at 12:23

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me