Djokovic Survives Shock to Reach Monte Carlo Round Three
MONTE CARLO (Reuters) – World number two Novak Djokovic came close to an early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters but finally emerged triumphant with a 6-3 3-6 7-5 second-round victory against France’s Gilles Simon on Tuesday.
The Serbian was broken for 5-4 in the decider but bagged three games in a row to end Simon’s resilience and reach the third round of the first European claycourt tournament of the season.
Djokovic, who had a first-round bye, will next take on either Russian Karen Khachanov or 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, of Spain. "It was a very difficult match, with many changes of momentum,” said Djokovic. "It was very tiring for me, the first clay of the season.
Novak Djokovic
The Serbian was broken for 5-4 in the decider but bagged three games in a row to end Simon’s resilience and reach the third round of the first European claycourt tournament of the season.
Djokovic, who had a first-round bye, will next take on either Russian Karen Khachanov or 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, of Spain. "It was a very difficult match, with many changes of momentum,” said Djokovic. "It was very tiring for me, the first clay of the season.
Novak Djokovic