Former world number one Novak Djokovic showed signs of a return to form
with a 6-0, 6-1 thrashing of fellow Serb Dusan Lajovic in the Monte
Carlo Masters first round yesterday.
It was an impressive performance from the 30-year-old in his first match
since splitting from coach Andre Agassi and starting to work again with
long-time former coach Marian Vajda. Ranked 13th in the world after
lengthy spells off the court with an elbow injury, Djokovic is training
with Vajda for the first time since last year’s Monte Carlo Masters.
“I train on this court, so I feel at home,” said Djokovic, who lives in
Monaco. “I’ve had a very difficult time in the last 12 months with the
injury and everything else that’s happened.
“I’m very happy as he (Vajda) is more than a coach. He’s more like a brother, a father.
“The reality is I’ve played six or seven matches since July. I’m lacking
matches and a bit of confidence on court. But I’m looking ahead.”
Djokovic dominated from the outset as Lajovic struggled, and despite
some nervy moments on serve in the second set, wrapped up victory in
under an hour to book a second-round meeting with Borna Coric.
It was the 12-time Grand Slam champion’s first win at a regular ATP Tour
event this season, after losing his opening matches in Indian Wells and
Miami to Taro Daniel and Benoit Paire respectively.
Djokovic started strongly, dropping only three points on serve as he
cruised to a first-set bagel which was sealed with a fierce return
winner.
Lajovic had his chances in the second, creating break-point
opportunities in three consecutive Djokovic service games as the
two-time Monte Carlo champion threw in two double faults.
But the qualifier was unable to make the most of those openings, and Djokovic broke in game four as Lajovic fired wide.
Djokovic had to save two break points when serving for the match, but
sealed the win to stay on course for a possible quarter-final meeting
with old rival Rafael Nadal.
Nishikori battles past Berdych
Earlier, Japan’s Kei Nishikori fought back from a set down to see off Czech 12th seed Tomas Berdych and reach the second round.
In a battle of two former Grand Slam finalists, Nishikori raced through
the final two sets to progress with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory.
The former world number four, who is now ranked 36th, missed a large
part of last season with a right wrist injury and started his 2018
campaign in American second-tier Challenger Tour events. But he was
close to his best against Berdych, despite making a slow start and
calling for a medical timeout for his troublesome wrist.
“It’s not great but, I mean, first match on clay, you know, I’m expecting (a) little soreness,” said Nishikori.
“Hope I can put more matches on clay. I always enjoy this Europe season.
Yeah, hope I can have good preparation these couple tournaments, and
hope I can finish great in French (Open).”
The 28-year-old, playing in the tournament for the first time in six
years, will take on Russian youngster Daniil Medvedev in round two.
Elsewhere, American Jared Donaldson launched into an angry tirade at
umpire Arnaud Gabas while squaring up to the Frenchman over a line call
during his defeat by Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The 21-year-old petulantly
insisted a supervisor was called to check the mark, saying: “I can call
the supervisor whenever I want.” He then sarcastically apologised,
saying he was “sorry” to hurt Gabas’ feelings.
Ramos-Vinolas, who lost last year’s final to Nadal, was leading by a set and a break at the time and went on to win 6-3, 6-3.
Former Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic had to come back from losing the
first set to Monegasque wildcard Lucas Catarina, while French veteran
Julien Benneteau bowed out of his final appearance in Monaco at the
first hurdle with a straight-sets defeat by Coric.
FIRST ROUND RESULTS
Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x11) bt Peter Gojowczyk (GER) 6-4, 6-3
Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP x15) bt Jared Donaldson (USA) 6-3, 6-3
Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Robin Haase (NED) 7-6 (9/7), 2-6, 7-5
Borna Coric (CRO) bt Julien Benneteau (FRA) 6-2, 6-3
Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x12) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
Novak Djokovic (SRB x9) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 6-0, 6-1.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his Monte Carlo Masters first round match against Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic yesterday. (Reuters)