Novak Djokovic illustrated why he is a four-time champion of the Rome Open with a straight set triumph in the third round of the tournament on Thursday.
The former world No.1 roared to a 6-1, 7-5, win over Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Hitting 26 winners to 22 unforced errors. Djokovic’s only blip occurred towards the closing stages of the match. Serving with a 5-4 lead in the second set, he dropped serve for the first time in the match. Nevertheless, he managed to regroup immediately to break back and seal the win after 88 minutes of play.
“I’m happy. I haven’t had too many matches of this quality of my tennis in the last 12 months. I think this was probably one of the three matches that I played this way in the last 12 months.” An upbeat Djokovic said about his latest performance.
“I’ve historically always played well in Rome, and I feel like each match is getting better.” He added.
Djokovic’s latest victory on the tour has moved him into his first tour quarter-final of the season. The Serbian entered this week winning back-to-back matches in only two out of his last six tournaments. His roller coaster performance on the tour has been due to his recovery from a serious elbow injury, which forced him to end his season early last year.
“In terms of pain, I don’t have it. So that’s a good thing. Off the court, I do have it still in certain situations. But on the court, which is most important, I don’t. And I hope it stays that way.” The former world No.1 said about his elbow.
In Friday’s Quarter-finals, Djokovic will take on Kei Nishikori. The Japanese No.1 crushed Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-1, 6-2, in his third round match. It will be the second consecutive week where the two have clashed on the tour. Last week Djokovic won their first round clash at the Madrid Open.
“It was strange playing Kei in the first round in Madrid. But, it was a very close match.” Said Djokovic.
“I expect the same tomorrow. I expect a big fight from both of us. We had some epic matches, also here (in Rome) a couple years ago.”
Djokovic currently dominates their head-to-head with a record of 12-2. The last time Nishikori got the better of the Serbian was during the 2014 US Open, where he went on to reach his first grand slam final.
Despite his dominant record, Djokovic is wary of the challenge he faces. Nishikori recently defeated Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev on route to the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
“With Kei you know that you’re going into a match where balls will come very quick from each part of the court.” He explained.
“ I have to be able to start off with the right intensity and try to impose my game, my tactics.
“It’s not going to be easy, because he also likes playing here (in Rome).”
Djokovic has now reached the quarter-finals of the Rome Open 12 times in a row.
