Four-time former champion Novak Djokovic completed his second victory of the day at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, when he beat Philipp Kohlschreiber on Thursday evening.
The world no.1 improved to a 21-4 W/L record this year following a 6-3, 6-0 win over the German for a place in the quarter-finals.
Novak needed only 62 minutes to advance. The Serbian star made an early break and stormed to a 3-0 lead, then went on to take the opening set 6-3.
Djokovic carried the momentum into the second set, breaking his opponent three times for his 10th triumph in 12 career meetings with Kohlschreiber.
The top seed had 100% realization of his break point opportunities (4/4), having saved all three break points he faced.
“I’m very pleased with both matches. I was very solid. I got off to a great start in both matches and never lost rhythm, really,” Djokovic said.
Match statistics: aces (2-2), double faults (3-0), winners (22-5), unforced errors (16-19), total points won (58-34).
Novak will next play no.7 seed Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) against whom he owns a 15-4 career mark. They have met twice in Rome quarters, Novak was victorious both times (2009, 2017).
Looking ahead to del Potro challenge, Djokovic said: “He’s a top-class player. He always has been. I have tons of respect for him as a player and also as a person. He has a huge serve, huge forehand, probably one of the best, if not the best, forehands on the Tour, one of the best serves. He uses that really well. He’s struggled a lot with injuries but he seems to be feeling good and playing well here, so it’s going to be a tough one.”
Photo: AP
