(Paris) World No.1 Novak Djokovic made a masterful return to the circuit at the Masters 1000 in Paris, winning 6-3, 6-2 over Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry (31e) in the second round on Tuesday.
In the Parisian room, Djokovic returns to competition after a month and a half post-24 breake Grand Slam trophy won at the United States Open in September, Australian Margaret Court’s absolute record equaled. In the wake of his triumph in New York, he made a victorious foray into the Davis Cup in Spain, in Valencia.
The 36-year-old Serbian, outgoing finalist (beaten by Rune) and already victorious six times at Bercy (record), avoided the same fate as world No.2 and No.3 Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, who both fell entry.
In the round of 16, he will face the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor (23e), a newcomer at this stage in Masters 1000.
Clinique, as often, Djokovic knew how to make the difference when necessary, to widen the gap 5 games to 3, before pocketing the first set with an ace. At the same time, he didn’t have to face a single break point.
The second round was even quieter, with a first entry break, then a second (4-1) to escape definitively.
Twenty-one winning shots, ten unforced errors: the statistics sheet speaks for itself.
