Novak Djokovic cruised through his opening match at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Tuesday afternoon, beating Roman Safullin 6-1, 6-2. Djokovic did not face a single break point while advancing in one hour and 10 minutes.
The world No. 1 is bidding for some history in Monte-Carlo. If he lifts the trophy on Sunday, he will have won every every Grand Slam, every Masters 1000, and the Nitto ATP Finals at least three time each. He previously triumphed in Monte-Carlo in 2013 and 2015.
“I’m very pleased,” Djokovic assured. “Even the games that I lost I had break points in those games. (It’s a) really good start to the clay-court season.”
The 36-year old Serb had been on course for a semifinal showdown against Carlos Alcaraz, but that won’t happen after Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament on Tuesday. It isn’t a huge surprise, as third-ranked Spaniard had been seen practicing earlier in the week with his right arm heavily taped.
Alcaraz posted the following on social media: “I have been working in Monte-Carlo and trying to recover until the last minute from an injured pronator teres in my right arm, but it was not possible and I cannot play! I was really looking forward to playing… See you next year! @ROLEXMCMASTERS @atptour”.
Djokovic awaits either Lorenzo Musetti or Arthur Fils in the round of 16 on Thursday.
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