Top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic saved two of three break points he faced on Wednesday to beat French qualifier Stephane Robert 7-5, 7-5 for a place in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia third round.
Novak capitalised on three of his five break point opportunities and won nine of 15 points at the net during the one hour, 27-minute clash.
The world no.103 hit more winners, but also made more unforced errors in the first career meeting between the two.
“Today was an extremely difficult match for several reasons. The conditions were very tough. The player that I played against was very unpredictable with his shots… He was going for some shots that were amazing, and with these windy conditions you don’t get too much rhythm,” Djokovic said. “When it mattered the most, I managed to make him play an extra shot and pull this one through.”
Match statistics: aces (2-4), double faults (1-0), winners (16-33), unforced errors (14-32).
Nole, the four-time overall winner in Rome, has improved to a 34-2 record on the season.
The Serbian ace goes on to face ATP #37 Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil (5-0 H2H mark), who eliminated Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-3.
Photo: Getty Images
