World no.2 Novak Djokovic started the defence of his Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters crown with a convincing 6-1, 6-0 victory over no.57-ranked Albert Montanes on Tuesday.
Novak needed just 45 minutes to advance into the third round and improve his perfect H2H record with the Spaniard to 6-0.
Djokovic hit five aces and recorded 27 winners. He won 83 per cent of points when his first serve was successful.
The 26-year-old Belgrade native converted five of his 12 break point opportunities and saved all four break points he faced.
“For the first match on clay, it was great,” said Novak. “I lost only one game, so there were not too many flaws in my game that I could recall. On the other side, I’ve had an opponent that is a specialist for this surface, but he hasn’t played even close to his highest level. He was making a lot of unforced errors. Me on the other side, I was just trying to use the court well, not allowing him to get into the rhythm. I was changing the angles. I was coming to the net, being aggressive. Just very good first match.”
Match statistics: aces (5-0), double faults (0-1), winners (27-1), unforced errors (16-18), total points won (55-23).
Novak next plays world no.62 Pablo Carreno Busta (LL). The Spaniard shocked Gael Monfils 6-3, 7-6.
Photo: Getty Images
