NOVAK DJOKOVIC DEFEATS KLIZAN, SAILS THROUGH IN MEXICO
It was never an easy sail through for Novak Djokovic, former world number one as he had to work hard enough to ensure that he finished on a strong note, thus defeating Martin Klizan in straight sets since returning to the competition on Tuesday at the ATP Acapulco event.
Since his shocking second round exit out of the Australian Open in January, Djokovic has not played. So on Tuesday during the event, he showed some signs of ring-rustiness before heading on to defeat Klizan 6-3, 7-6 (7/4 ) before a loud Mexican crowd.
Djokovic who spoke after the match said that he wasn’t expecting an easy match but was pleased that he had performed well enough to win in straight sets.
“I wasn’t expecting an easy match, that’s for sure,” said Djokovic. “The field here is very strong and I got a collision in the first round against a guy who is well known for playing his best tennis on the big stage. But all in all it was a good performance to win in straight sets.”
And while noting that the second set was a tough one, he sees it as a necessary one needed for him to test himself and get prepared for the next challenge he would be facing.
Starting on a slow note, the 29 year old Serbian was forced to save two break points during the third game of the first set before pushing on to hang for a 2-1 lead. In the fifth game, he had to save a further break point before pushing on to punish Klizan who is world number 62 with a break to go 4-2 up.
At the end, Djokovic sent in a deft lob that left Klizan scrambling to return before finally finishing off with a volley into an open court.