Djokovic wins Madrid Open opener against Monfils

Novak Djokovic played a rather solid match in his Madrid Open opener but he was greatly helped by Monfils to win the match 6-3 6-2.

Djokovic and Monfils both opened the match slow as we saw a plethora of unforced errors from both. Neither was in a particularly good rhythm and neither was able to create much pressure. Monfils had two breaks points due to Djokovic's mistakes but the Serbian was able to save them. Midway through the set, the rain started to fall which suspended the match for 30 minutes until the roof got closed.

Upon return, Djokovic looked much better and sharper than Monfils who was still struggling with his timing. The Serbian was able to take a valuable break and his confidence rose after that. Djokovic's forehand was wobbly to start the match but it settled by the time the Seribna finished off the opening set with 6-3. The backhand was on point as well and Djokovic was able to take an early lead in the 2nd set as well.

Monfils was all over the place and he looked much worse upon returning to the court than before the suspension. His timing was off, he risked way much more than he usually does and he piled up the errors rather quickly. Djokovic played the angles smartly against Monfils who never found his footing due to Djokovic mixing it up.

The Frenchman also did not have his best day serving and all of that combined was more than enough for the Serbian to win the match 6-3 6-2.