Novak Djokovic records third win of 2022, beating Laslo Djere in three sets to reach Belgrade Open quarter-finals

Novak Djokovic has progressed through the first round of the Serbia Open with a 2-6 7-6(6) 7-6(4) victory over Laslo Djere. The world No.1 is bidding to ramp up preparations for the French Open next month, and after crashing out of the Monte Carlo Masters against eventual finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the opening round last week, it looked as if Djokovic may lose again in front of a home crowd in Belgrade after losing the first set.

Ad/> But the 20-time Grand Slam winner fought back in style for his 992nd career win and will play Miomir Kecmanovic in the last eight. Roland-GarrosDjokovic needs to be stronger if he wants to compete at Roland Garros — Corretja6 HOURS AGO Djere got off to the perfect start, breaking Djokovic to move into a 2-0 lead before sealing a double break in the seventh game to move into a 5-2 lead.

Djokovic had a break point opportunity as Djere attempted to serve out the ste, but the latter eventually got the job done by sealing it on his fourth set point. The second set was far tighter as the pair were locked on serve until Djere sealed a potentially decisive break to go 4-3 up when Djokovic hit a forehand into the tramlines.

But Djokovic responded instantly in the following game by breaking back thanks to a Djere unforced error, letting out a passionate roar towards his team afterwards. 'Very happy to have battled through' — Raducanu eases past Sanders in Stuttgart Nadal playing Madrid as comeback 'risky' — Corretja Djere squandered a vital break point opportunity to move into a 5-4 lead and instead Djokovic moved to within a game of the second set thanks to a thumping forehand and an unreturnable serve.