"Looking forward to the next challenge" - Djokovic after win over Karatsev

Five-time champion Novak Djokovic brushed past Aslan Karatsev, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The Serbian’s all-around performance against Karatsev represented an impressive start to an event where he has been spectacular in the past. Djokovic’s return game was at its relentless best as he broke the World No. 35’s serve four times on his way to a comfortable win on centre court. He said:

“When you see him, physically, [he is] a very strong guy. You never know with him. If he’s feeling the ball, he can be very dangerous because he stays so close to the line, puts pressure on his opponents."

He continued:

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“He was missing a lot of balls today though. He gave me a couple of breaks there in the first and second sets, but I’ll take this win for sure. It’s a straight-sets win against a quality opponent and I’m looking forward to the next challenge."

Djokovic was happy to be back in Rome enjoying the support from the crowd:

"That’s what the crowd is looking for. Energy, excitement, fight, and they want to see some good tennis. We had some nice points today. It’s always good to play in the Colosseum of tennis, and this stadium certainly is.”