Djokovic eases past Karatsev in Rome

Novak Djokovic eased past Aslan Karatsev in typical fashion for the Serbian doing just enough to win the match 6-3 6-2.

Djokovic arrived in Rome after a strong week in Madrid where he lost to a sensational Alcaraz in three sets. That match was a very close one and Djokovic was overall pleased with the outing as he showed that his level is slowly getting back. Djokovic opened well, taking a 2-0 lead but fumbled the lead not long after that making it 2-2.

Karatsev found a nice rhythm after that but he was also missing quite a bit. Eventually, Djokovic waited patiently for the Russian to start missing more and he did. The Serbian took advantage of that by taking the opening set 6-3. Karatsev simply committed too many unforced errors and Djokovic knew that it was bound to happen if he plays the way he can.

That trend continued in the 2nd set as well as Djokovic converted his 4th break point in the opening game for the 1-0 lead. He then saved one as well to hold the 2-0 lead. He added another one as Karatsev was totally out of it by now with the Serbian taking a 4-0 lead. Djokovic then finished it off with 6-2.