Novak Djokovic’s clay-court game is still a work in progress, as seen in his recent match against Grigor Dimitrov. Despite a midmatch lapse, Djokovic managed to overcome his struggles and win in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, to reach the fourth round of the Italian Open.
Djokovic struggled with his footwork and complained about the conditions of the clay on Campo Centrale, protesting line calls along the way. His lapse allowed Dimitrov to win four consecutive games and take the second set. However, Djokovic raised his game in the third set, breaking Dimitrov in the opening game, and improving his career record against the Bulgarian to 11-1.
Djokovic Prepares for French Open
Djokovic’s recent tournament record on red clay was not impressive, with consecutive early exits in his previous two tournaments. However, he is aiming for a seventh title in Rome and preparing for the French Open, which starts in two weeks.
Iga Swiatek Sweeps Aside Lesia Tsurenko
Two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek extended her winning streak at the Foro Italico to 13 matches by beating Lesia Tsurenko 6-2, 6-0. Swiatek produced 22 winners to her Ukrainian opponent’s two, and Tsurenko had some kind words for Swiatek after the match, thanking her for supporting Ukraine.
Other Results
Coco Gauff, a French Open finalist last year, was beaten by 27th-seeded Marie Bouzkova, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. Madison Keys advanced to the last 16 when Victoria Azarenka withdrew before their match because of a right leg injury. In other men’s matches, Holger Rune eliminated veteran Italian Fabio Fognini, 6-4, 6-2, and Daniil Medvedev won his first career match in Rome by beating Emil Ruusuvuori, 6-4, 6-2. Stefanos Tsitsipas finished off a second-round win over Nuno Borges, 6-3, 6-3, and German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann beat ninth-seeded Taylor Fritz, 6-4, 6-1. Djokovic will face either 13th-seeded Cameron Norrie or Marton Fucsovics in the next round.
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