By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, May 13, 2014

 

Novak Djokovic shook off some rust and the often testing Radek Stepanek to win his first match in over three weeks at Rome.

Photo Credit: AP

Novak Djokovic shook off some expected rust in his game and some unexpected dust from his eyes to win his first match in over three weeks at the Italian Open in Rome.

Monday Musings: A Look Back at Madrid

His second round match versus veteran Radek Stepanek marked Djokovic's return to action after withdrawing from last week's Madrid event due to a right wrist injury. Djokovic entered Centrale stadium not wearing any of the protective tape on his wrist as he had back in Monte Carlo. Djokovic's semifinal loss to Roger Federer back there prompted concern for the Serbian and his overall chances heading into Roland Garros.

A ragged start from Djokovic was expected and he provided that by dropping his opening service game with a netted backhand. Stepanek, who is known for testing even the best with his all-court game, couldn't continue his momentum as Djokovic soon broke back for 1-all.

Though the dry, dusty court often threw up clay in both players' eyes, it didn't prevent Djokovic from breaking serve again. Stepanek, looking already resigned, turned his back to Djokovic while down set point as the Serbian set up for an easy smash. Djokovic obliged with a simple put away that clinched the set 6-3. Umpire Mohamed Lahyani wasn't as impressed with Stepanek's display, chiding him with an "It's too much" reply.

Stepanek, despite being at 1-all in the second set, didn't look confident of his chances. Djokovic meanwhile played within himself, but then managed to come up with the right shot at the right time. Djokovic struck a dipping backhand that forced a volley error to give him the break for 2-1. After hitting a crosscourt forehand winner to extend his lead for 3-1, Djokovic gave out a brief exhale, as if relieved this match wasn't the test maybe he thought it would be. But the test came soon enough.

A dip in Djokovic's level allowed Stepanek to pounce in the seventh game. Djokovic flailed on a backhand down break point and soon it was 4-all. That woke up Djokovic who proceeded to break back with a fine backhand pass. A resulting roar from Djokovic indicated that he was ready to wrap things up as his head coach Boris Becker nodded in approval from the stands.

Stepanek wasn't done just yet. With Djokovic wavering perhaps again to a lack of matches, Stepanek raced up to the net and collected two break points. Stepanek would convert and even things at 5-all, but then it was his turn to blink, and not from the dust on court. A poor game, ending with a double fault, handed the advantage back to Djokovic for 6-5. This time Djokovic didn't make any mistakes.

Riding out to 40-0 on his serve, Djokovic soon held three match points. Stepanek would save one, but a final big serve from Djokovic allowed him to bellow one more roar of delight after completing a patchy but nonetheless satisfying 6-3, 7-5 win.

The key stat proved to be Djokovic committing only nine unforced errors to over 27 from Stepanek.

So far, so good as far as Djokovic's return to the courts goes and his recovery heading into Paris. He'll next face the winner of the upcoming Tommy Robredo versus Philipp Kohlschreiber match.