Madrid, May 7:
Novak Djokovic needed just 65 minutes to make a winning start at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, hammering Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round.
The top seed and world number one broke three times as he schooled the American.
Djokovic won the Madrid title in 2011 and 2016. He will be chasing a fourth straight Grand Slam trophy at Roland Garros next month.
Third seed Roger Federer was making his clay return after two full seasons off the surface when he faced Frenchman Richard Gasquet later in the second round after a bye.
Unseeded treble Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka started his Madrid campaign with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert to move into the second round.
“It was a great first match. I’ve been good on the practice court, feeling really good, so it was important to start well today,” Wawrinka said.
“I hope my game is going to click soon. I’m patient enough to know that sometimes it takes time,” said the Swiss player, who underwent two knee surgeries in August 2017. (Agencies)
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