Monte Carlo, April 18
Novak Djokovic needed 10 match points to see off Borna Coric in the Monte Carlo Masters second round on Wednesday, while world No. 1 Rafael Nadal eased past Aljaz Bedene 6-1 6-3.
Djokovic, playing only his fourth tournament since Wimbledon last July after struggling with a right elbow injury, overcame some late nerves to win 7-6(2) 7-5. Djokovic is working with long-time former coach Marian Vajda for the first time in almost a year after splitting from Andre Agassi, and the 30-year-old has looked rejuvenated in Monaco after early exits in Indian Wells and Miami.
The Serbian will next face Austrian fifth seed Dominic Thiem with a possible quarterfinal against defending champion Nadal, who plays Karen Khachanov in the last-16 on Thursday, up for grabs.
Japan’s Kei Nishikori continued his comeback from injury with an impressive 7-5 6-2 win over Russian Daniil Medvedev. Russian Khachanov cruised past Gilles Simon 6-2 6-2, while 11th seed Roberto Bautista Agut beat Feliciano Lopez in straight sets. — AFP