Novak Djokovic seals Rome win however health fears raised after abdomen issues

Novak Djokovic acquired his Rome Masters title defence off to a successful begin on Friday night time. The high seed defeated Tomas Etcheverry 7-6(5) 6-2. There have been nonetheless some issues in the course of the match as Djokovic was seen holding his abdomen and took a pill in the course of the first set, elevating fears over an sickness. But he recovered to e-book his spot within the third spherical.

Djokovic was taking part in for the primary time since missing the Madrid Open with an elbow injury. The Serb was trying to bounce again after beginning the clay season with a 2-2 file however discovered himself damaged by the world No 61 within the opening recreation.

The high seed then instantly placed on the elbow assist he had beforehand been seen sporting in Monte Carlo and Banja Luka, elevating some questions in regards to the state of the damage after claiming it was “all good”. But he was in a position to get the break again, drawing stage at 3-3.

Djokovic then had two set factors at 5-4 however Etcheverry held on to maintain himself alive. And there have been issues that world No 1 was feeling unwell as he could possibly be seen holding his abdomen later within the set.

The 35-year-old additionally spit one thing behind the court docket earlier than members of his crew handed him a pill in the course of the subsequent changeover. The set went to a tiebreak with each males buying and selling mini-breaks till Djokovic had one other set level on his serve at 6-5, and he closed out a 74-minute first set 7-6(5).

Djokovic carried his momentum straight into the second set by breaking within the opening recreation. After a good first set, Etcheverry began to fade away because the Serb broke for a second time to serve for the match at 5-2. And he closed out a straight-set victory to kick off his title defence.