Djokovic ease past Roman Safiulin to reach second round in Monte Carlo

Novak Djokovic, the world number one in men’s tennis singles, has made a storming start to the clay court season by beating Russian Roman Safiulin 6-1, 6-2 in the Monte Carlo Masters second round.

Djokovic, who won after just 69 minutes of play, is now 2-0 head-to-head against Safiulin.

“I am very pleased,” Djokovic said. “I think even the games that I lost I had break points in those games. It is a really great first match at the start of the clay season. It has always been a little bit up and down. Last year as well, I started off well at this tournament and the second match I lost, so I hope to maintain this rhythm. I have a day tomorrow of training and I hope to come out in a few days time with the same attitude and quality of tennis.”

The top seed arrives in Monte-Carlo having not won a title this season, with his best result a semi-final run at the Australian Open. Having failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals in his seven previous appearances in the Principality, Djokovic will hope this is the week he can return to top form and change that record.

The 98-time tour-level titlist is a two-time Monte-Carlo champion, triumphing in 2013 and 2015. He will meet #NextGenATP Frenchman Arthur Fils or Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. The Italian Musetti upset Djokovic in Monte-Carlo at the same stage last season.