Djokovic beats Coric, in Round 3

Madrid, May 5 

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic eased into the third round of the Madrid Open by beating Borna Coric 6-2, 6-4.

Djokovic, who had not played in Madrid since 2013, served four double faults but relied on his return to overpower Coric yesterday. “I thought I was serving quite well in the practice sessions, but then the first set went well, the second, not so much,” said Djokovic, who claimed his only Madrid title in 2011 when he beat Rafael Nadal in the final.

“The first serve percentage could have been higher and should be higher for the upcoming matches. But I’m satisfied with my game.” Coric’s style has been compared to that of ‘a young Djokovic,’ and the Serb said his opponent had a “nice balance between confident approach and self-belief on the court, and is not really intimidated by anyone’s presence.”

Djokovic’s next opponent will be Roberto Bautista Agut. Also, Nick Kyrgios of Australia put in a hard-hitting performance to beat fourth-seeded Stan Wawrinka of Swizterland 7-6 (7), 7-6 (2), while sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori advanced by beating Fabio Fognini 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. Sam Querrey of the United States defeated Lucas Pouille of France 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 and eighth-seeded Tomas Berdych beat Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-3.

In the women’s draw, Victoria Azarenka pulled out of the tournament because of a lower back injury. Fifth-seeded Daria Gavrilova of Australia defeated Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-4. — AP