Novak Djokovic successfully debuted at the Rome Open by defeating Corentin Moutet (No. 83) 6-3, 6-2. The Serbian had an easy day against the irreverent French player and reached his 1,099th career win.
The first set didn't start off in the best way for Djokovic, who conceded his service in the first game. Nole quickly recovered the break, but then lost his service for the second consecutive time, allowing Moutet to take advantage and lead 3-1.
Despite a slow start after almost a month since his last tournament at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Djokovic quickly turned the tide of the match and entered a streak of consecutive games, closing the set 6-3 in just 45 minutes of play.
The Serbian didn't need too much effort to take control of the set. Djokovic had a 62% first service rate and won 56% of them, while Moutet had a solid 80% first service rate, but Djokovic neutralized it by winning 50% of the first return points.
In the second set, Djokovic capitalized on the momentum to quickly take a 2-0 lead in a match that was clearly tilting in his favor. Moutet had a slight reaction by breaking the streak after 7 games and managed to hold his service to make the score 2-1.
However, it was only a mirage within Moutet's match, who also engaged in discussions with the chair umpire and was imprecise, far from being competitive against the world No. 1. From then on, it was a monologue by Djokovic, who dominated the points from the return, secured a couple more consecutive breaks, and closed the match 6-3, 6-1 in just 1 hour and 26 minutes.
In the third round, he will face Alejandro Tabilo, who defeated Yannik Hanfmann (No. 59) in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(4). The 26-year-old Chilean is at the peak of his career after climbing more than 50 positions in 2024 and achieving his highest historical ranking as world No. 32.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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