By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Novak Djokovic defeated Nicolas Almagro, 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3, to score his 18th straight victory.
Returning to tournament tennis for the first time in nearly a month, Novak Djokovic shook the red clay from his shoes—and the rust from his game— to extend his immaculate 2015 Masters record.
Squandering a 5-2 lead in the tie break, Djokovic survived a second-set stumble to subdue Nicolas Almagro, 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3 in his Rome opener.
Video: Federer Hologram Comes to Hall of Fame
“In the important moments today I did feel a little uncomfortable,” Djokovic said afterward. “Maybe that’s from lack of playing, I’m sure I’ll be back on track in no time.”
In his first match since winning the Monte-Carlo Masters on April 19th, Djokovic did not drop serve scoring his 18th consecutive victory. He made history in Monte Carlo last month becoming the first man to win the opening three Masters events of the season. Now, the reigning champion sets his sights on a fourth Rome title and a fifth straight Masters 1000 crown.
The top seed will take on either No. 14 seed Roberto Bautista Agut or qualifier Thomaz Bellucci for a spot in the quarterfinals. Djokovic has never lost before the quarterfinals in eight prior appearances in the Eternal City.
Initially, it appeared Djokovic would make quick work of an opponent who had never taken a set from him in three prior ATP encounters.
Commanding the center of the court, Djokovic worked the angles driving the ball into the corners. The Serbian is quicker around the court and his advantage in running rallies forced Almagro to play higher-risk shots down the line. A Djokovic backhand crosscourt followed by a backhand error gave the top seed the first break and a 3-1 lead.
Moving fluidly, Djokovic hit a fine running backhand pass down the line off a smash for another break point then befuddled his opponent with a drop shot winner breaking for 5-1.
When Djokovic slid an ace down the middle, both of his coaches, Boris Becker and Marian Vajda, stood and applauded the sharp, 29-minute opening set.
Almagro answered with aggressive serving in the second set. Leaning into his quick-release serve, he hit four aces, dropped just five points on his second serve and did not face a break point in the second set.
When Djokovic took a 5-2 lead in the tie break he was on course for a straight-sets win, but Almagro amped up his aggression again.
The Spaniard followed a forehand winner with a serve winner for 4-5 then blasted a backhand crosscourt for the mini-break. Djokovic netted a forehand to donate set point. Almagro slashed a serve winner to take the second set with a firm "Vamos!"
Djokovic served 70 percent and won 15 of 19 points on his first serve in the final set that featured only one break point. A sharp-angled Djokovic forehand took Almagro so far off the court, he stumbled, fell to the court and appeared to strain his right knee. The Spaniard arose, Djokovic crossed over to check on his health and after a brief break play continued.
Almagro netted a forehand to hand Djokovic the break and a 5-3 lead, flipping his yellow Dunlop frame in the air in frustration. Djokovic, who faced just one break point in the match, slid his 11th ace for double match point, closing in two hours, one minute.
Former Rome runner-up Stan Wawrinka rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Juan Monaco.
No. 11 seed Feliciano Lopez defeated Nick Kyrgios, 6-4, 7-6 (4). Viktor Troicki edged Bernard Tomic, 7-6 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), in two hours, 46 minutes.