Novak Djokovic overcame a third set blip to defeat Alex Molcan 6-2 6-3 7-6(4) and reach the third round.
The world number one got one over his former coach Marian Vajda as he defeated his Slovakian opponent in straight sets.
Despite being a break up in the third set, Djokovic was forced into a tiebreak but came through to reach the last 32.
The defending champion now plays Aljaz Bedene on Friday who defeated Pablo Cuevas in four sets.
Djokovic made an impressive start to the match as he used depth, power and angles to make Molcan move.
Despite some impressive rallies from the Slovakian it was the world number one who was winning the big duels.
After an encouraging start, Molcan couldn’t keep up with Djokovic’s intensity as the Serb broke in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead.
Djokovic didn’t seem to be fazed by former coach Marian Vajda being in the opposition coach as the Serb would break to love, opening the court with ease, to take the opening set 6-2.
However Molcan showed why he is ranked 38 in the world in the second set as he proved to be more of a returning threat in the second set, forcing the issue and being aggressive with his shot-making.
Djokovic though fended off the early pressure and continued to produce supreme counter-attacking tennis.
The world number one would break on his first opportunity in the sixth game as coming into the net applied pressure on Molcan who couldn’t deal with the Serb’s power as he took a 4-2 lead.
A clinical Djokovic sealed a two sets to love lead despite a cleaner set from the left-handed Slovakian.
Momentum was carried into the third set for Djokovic as he continued to spread his tactics in all directions forcing Molcan into errors.
Molcan tore up the script of a comfortable victory in the next game as he broke in the next game with some clean ball-striking as the set was level at 2-2.
The world number 38 started to show his ranking in the third set as he consistently caused Djokovic problems and pushed to force the match for a fourth set.
Despite the Slovakian’s aggression and effective point-construction, Djokovic won the key points and would win the third set tiebreak to seal progression into the last 32.
A much-needed challenge passed for Djokovic who will now face Aljaz Bedene for a spot in the second week on Friday.
