The Serbian famous person beat Gaël Monfils 6-3 6-2 on Tuesday, ensuring he would stay as international No. 1 for a record-extending 369th week.
The win additionally prolonged his easiest checklist over the Frenchman to 18 from as many suits, which means he turns into the primary guy within the Open technology to carry an 18-0 ATP head-to-head in opposition to an opponent.
Djokovic will now face three-time grand slam winner Andy Murray within the remaining 16 after the British participant surprised Denis Shapovalov 6-1 3-6 6-2.
“I assume his sport is acceptable to my sport when it comes to enjoying taste. However we have now had some very shut matchups. The remaining time we performed in Dubai he had fit issues, in order that will have simply damaged the checklist.
“I do not consider that an excessive amount of. For me mentally, it is a crucial win.”
Even though Monfils confirmed why he is probably the most entertaining avid gamers to observe, as soon as 20-time grand slam champion Djokovic stored 3 smash issues early on, Monfils by no means stricken Djokovic on the Manolo Santana Stadium.
Monfils gained the winner depend, 18 to 11, however Djokovic confirmed his enjoy and technology.
Taking part in in simply his fourth event since getting back from a tumultuous time clear of tennis, Djokovic remains to be operating his approach to his best possible shape.
“I used to be shifting neatly, dictating with the forehand facet, shifting him across the courtroom and discovering my serve (and) additionally the previous couple of carrier video games, (discovering my) go back.”
