Novak Djokovic survives scare from qualifier Ivan Gakhov to win on return at Monte Carlo Masters

Novak Djokovic said he won “ugly” on his return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters after fighting off the stubborn challenge of Ivan Gakhov. World No. 1 Djokovic came through 7-6(5) 6-2 but faced an afternoon of frustration against the world No.198, who had previously played just one tour level match.

Ad It was Djokovic's first tournament in over a month after he missed Indian Wells and the Miami Open in March due to being unable to travel to the United States because of his vaccination status. ATP Monte CarloExclusive: Djokovic aims to 'peak in Paris' ahead of return in Monte Carlo10 HOURS AGO Gakhov was given a position in qualifying as fourth alternate after four other players were removed due to still being in competition elsewhere. The Russian stunned Adrian Mannarino in the first round of qualifying, before victories over Luca van Assche and Mackenzie McDonald gave him the chance to take on Djokovic.

If Gakhov needed a reminder of the challenge he faced on Court Rainier III, the world No.1 provided it during the first point of the match as he blazed an unstoppable cross court forehand to take the upper hand early on. However, Gakhov attacked the match with his own aggression and, despite some nervy unforced errors and double faults, took his first service game before giving himself the first chance to break. However, Djokovic saved two break points in the fifth game of the first set to keep the score with serve.