MONACO (AP) — Novak Djokovic made light work of his return to clay and did not face a break point in beating Roman Safiullin 6-1, 6-2 to reach the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.
Serving for the match, Djokovic won on his second match point when Safiullin's return sank into the net. Overall, Djokovic could perhaps have been a little more clinical, since he forced 19 break points and converted just five of them.
It was the top-ranked Serb's first clay-court tournament since winning Roland Garros last year to clinch a men's-record 23rd major title. He added the US Open to extend that total to 24 but lost in the semifinals at the Australian Open this year to eventual winner Jannik Sinner, and he is looking for his first title of 2024.
Djokovic recently split with coach Goran Ivanisevic, ending their association that began in 2018—and included half of those major titles.
In cloudy conditions at the Monte Carlo Country Club, Djokovic secured two service breaks to lead 4-0 in quick time, before Safiullin finally held serve.
Djokovic's drop shot looked in good order and he clinched the first set in 33 minutes when Safiullin, on his second serve at 0-40, hit a return into the net.