Djoker battles through, Rafa wins with ease

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