Novak Djokovic overcame a tough second set challenge from Mats Moraing to win his opening match at the Belgrade 2 event in straight sets.The Serbian defeated the German – a 253rd-ranked lucky loser – 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) in the second round of the ATP 250 tournament.
The world No. 1 broke twice to take the opening set comfortably, before edging the second set on a tiebreak after twice losing a break advantage.
“It was a very good start. I started 6-2 against a player I’ve never faced before. He was going for some shots today that were amazing,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“I was twice a break up in the second set so I maybe could have finished out the job earlier, but credit to him for fighting, for playing really well, for playing very courageous, very bold tennis.”
The 34-year-old will next face world No. 96 Federico Coria in the quarter-finals.
The 29-year-old Argentine – younger brother of former world No. 3 Guillermo Coria – beat Pablo Cuevas in the second round.(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)
