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Rome Masters: Novak Djokovic outclasses Aljaz Bedene, Andy Murray loses
Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of Rome Masters after defeating Aljaz Bedene.
Novak Djokovic outclassed Aljaz Bedene at the Rome Masters on Tuesday, progressing to the third round with a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 victory.
The world number two, a four-time champion in Rome, maintained his 100 per cent record against Bedene with a third straight-sets win against the 27-year-old.
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After a tight, competitive start, Djokovic’s quality proved too much for the Slovenian-born qualifier and he moved into the next round in comfortable fashion.
The Serbian served first and was unable to hold but, despite a stumble causing him to change racket in game two, he hit straight back to take the early pressure off.
Djokovic had to stave off a break point in game seven and proved ruthless in the tie-break, charging into a 5-0 lead before Bedene found the net with a forehand to give his opponent the opening set.
The 13-time major winner did not suffer a wobble at the start of the second and went 4-1 up when Bedene failed with a drop-shot attempt after fighting off three break points.
Djokovic completed what ended up being a routine victory, though he needed four match points in order to wrap it up.
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Djokovic had to stave off a break point in game seven and proved ruthless in the tie-break, charging into a 5-0 lead before Bedene found the net with a forehand to give his opponent the opening set.
The 13-time major winner did not suffer a wobble at the start of the second and went 4-1 up when Bedene failed with a drop-shot attempt after fighting off three break points.
Djokovic completed what ended up being a routine victory, though he needed four match points in order to wrap it up.
Murray crashes out
Defending champion and world number one Andy Murray was swept aside by home favourite Fabio Fognini at the Italian Open.
Only a late spell of resistance when he reeled off three games at 1-5 in the second set kept the scoreline respectable as the British player’s worrying slump in form continued ahead of this month’s French Open.
An inspired Fognini, whose wife former U.S. Open champion Flavia Pennetta is expecting their first child this week, thumped 31 winners in his first victory over a world number one.
Murray has won only five of his last 10 matches.
