Novak Djokovic started his bid to win his fifth Italian Open title in his career with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Salvatore Caruso in the second half.
Competing for the first time on clay since losing to Dominic Thiem at the French Open last season, and the world number 1 has done well to claim his 51st win from 60 matches at the Masters 1000 tournament.
“It was a very positive test for me. I am very happy with the way I handle myself at crucial moments, ”said Djokovic.
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“I was in full control throughout the match. Serves well when I need to perform with powerful serve and move smoothly. And I build my points on the clay court, because obviously that kind of court is completely different from other courts in terms of winning points tactically. So Everything is going well. I am very happy.”
With this victory, he has now won 27 of the 28 games this season. So He is ahead of the other men after bagging three titles this season which he won in Melbourne, Dubai and New York (Cincinnati Open).
This week he is eyeing the 36th Masters 1000 tournament title of his career. And currently he is drawing with Rafael Nadal by bagging 35 Masters 1000 tournament titles.
The Australian Open champion this season will continue his quest for a fifth Italian Open title against compatriot Filip Krajinovic. The World number 29 Krajinovic broke home opponent Marco Cecchinato on four occasions in a game that lasted 76 minutes to claim a 6-4, 6-1 win.
The player, who has won 17 Grand Slam titles, will face Krajinovic for the second time after he withdrew from their previous encounter in Belgrade in 2010.
“He is in top form and I haven’t played against him since we first met in Belgrade. I withdrew from the match after one set,” said Novak Djokovic.
“So I’m looking forward to it. I am very happy that Filip is doing well after working with the new coach Janko Tipsarevic. Filip has been someone I’ve been very close to for a long time. I’ve tried to be like his mentor in the last seven, eight seasons. So I’m just very, very happy that he is doing well.”
