Novak Djokovic, number 1 in the world until Monday, qualified without major suffering for the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 in Rome by defeating on Tuesday 6-3, 6-4 the British Cameron Norrie (13th), who infuriated the Serb with an involuntary ball in the leg on a volley.
Nole, who on Monday will cede the No. 1 spot to Carlos Alcaraz, already eliminated in Rome, played his 77th match in the Italian capital, equalling Rafael Nadal's record. He will be looking for a place in the semi-finals against Denmark's Holger Rune (7th), another spicy opponent, who needed three sets to beat Australia's Alexei Popyrin (77th); 6-4, 5-7 and 6-4.
Djokovic is in the quarterfinals of the Foro Italico for the 17th consecutive time. Ante Norrie started plugged in, with a break that served to make it 3-0. Without being brilliant, although very solid in the rallies he scored the first set without hesitation.
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In the second, when Djokovic won 2-1, Norrie gave a strong ball in the legs of the Serb, who had neglected the play and was with his back to his rival.
The Briton apologized with his hand, but Djokovic stared at him for a few seconds and approached the net waiting for an explanation that did not come.
Until the end Djokovic was very serious, making it clear that the slight apology with his hand had not been enough. He closed the game without losing his cool and greeted Norrie with all the coldness he could stage.
The cold greeting between Cameron Norrie and Novak Djokovic. Source: AFP
In addition, Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas (5th) concluded Monday's rain-interrupted third-round match with a win over Italy's Lorenzo Sonego (48th); 6-3 and 7-6 (3). Also advancing to the second round was German Alexander Zverev (22nd), who beat American J.J. Wolf (54th), 6-4, 7-5.
Source: AFP
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