MONACO – Third-seeded Novak Djokovic and No. 4 Andy Murray both won in straight sets Tuesday to reach the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Djokovic was rarely troubled in a 6-1, 6-2 win against Oscar Hernandez of Spain, while Murray began slowly before easing past Victor Hanescu of Romania, 6-3, 6-2, to stay on course for a first career quarterfinal on clay.
Djokovic, who reached the French Open semifinals last year, next faces either Jean-Rene Lisnard or Albert Montanes and said he was surprised at how well he played in his first clay-court match of the season.
“I didn’t quite expect to perform that good, considering the fact that I didn’t have any matches, singles matches, on this surface,” Djokovic said. “But I was really playing aggressive and patient at the same time. This combination is really important for this surface. So hopefully I can continue.”
Murray twice dropped serve early to trail 2-1 in the opening set, but the British player took the next four games for a commanding lead. (AP)