Djokovic defeats Nishikori, advances to Madrid Open 2nd round

TIL Desk Sports/ In his fifth clay-court match this tennis season, Serbian Novak Djokovic defeated Japan’s Kei Nishikori 7-5, 6-4 to reach the second round at the Madrid Open on Monday.

Feeling more doubts than in his previous appearance at the ATP clay court event, but showing more determination in the important moments, the two-time Madrid Open champion prevailed over the 2014 runner-up in one hour and 59 minutes.

Earlier this year, Djokovic underwent surgery for a right elbow injury, which has marred his last few seasons. The Manolo Santana center court saw ups and downs for Djokovic, who was overwhelmed by Nishikori’s speed in the long rallies and committed some odd unforced errors.

Djokovic remained cool-headed, however, putting pressure on his rival when it mattered and converting three out of seven break points he created. For a place in the last-16, Djokovic is to play either Kyle Edmund of United Kingdom or Germany’s Alexander Zverev.