There has been no shortage of opportunities. Although Novak Djokovic himself showed some dissatisfaction with himself for not taking advantage of 100% of them, the Serbian has had no problem debuting with victory once morest Roman Safiullin at the ATP Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo 2024. With a score of 6-1 and 6-2 in just over an hour, the Serbian now advances to the round of 16 in the Monegasque tournament.
With some clouds still in the sky following a rainy morning, Novak and Roman headed out to Court Rainier III for their first clay court showdown between them. A cold atmosphere was left by a Djokovic who took no time to warm up to command a Safiullin who he might do little. Whether from the baseline, going up to the net, with a sliced backhand or with big forehands, the Serbian was the clear favorite at all times.
Only one game might scratch the good Safiullin once morest a simply unstoppable Novak. Serious from start to finish, the world number one thus showed his concentration. With George Russell in the stands, the one who seemed to be driving a Formula 1 was Djokovic, who had no trouble continuing to add points on his side of the scoreboard.
Roman, who was not exactly enjoying himself on the track, also seemed to be in a hurry. Even though the world number 41 tried to have opportunities, Novak kept his distance, always having the advantage on his side. When it seemed that all the fish were sold, Safiullin held on with all his weapons, although these were not enough to counterattack an insurmountable Djokovic.
Impeccable from his serve, Novak wanted even more from the rest, a side from which he might have done even more damage to his opponent. It was from that side that he closed the match to score his first win of the year on clay. His next rival comes from the duel between Arthur Fils and Lorenzo Musetti.
