Djokovic Works Hard For Rome Win

Four-time Rome champion Novak Djokovic recorded his 34th match win of the year on Wednesday when he booked his place in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia third round with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over qualifier Stephane Robert in 87 minutes.

World No. 1 Djokovic, who will next challenge Thomaz Bellucci, has lifted five trophies this year, including three ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crowns. Bellucci advanced to the third round for the third time (also 2010 and 2015) with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Nicolas Mahut.

Djokovic saved one break point at 1-1, 30/40 in the first set and had to wait until the 12th game to break, when he converted his second set point opportunity.

Robert hit a stunning backhand winner to break Djokovic for a 2-1 lead in the second set. Djokovic had to wait patiently until the eighth game for his chance to break back. He sealed the win by breaking in the final game. Robert hit 33 winners, but committed 32 unforced errors. Djokovic won nine of his 15 points at the net, committing 14 unforced errors.

Robert, who turns 36 on 17 May, has qualified for all four ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments this season.