Novak Djokovic's start against Corentin Moutet at the 2024 Italian Open in Rome was bumpy, but he still won the match in two sets after finding a solid level.
Moutet is one of the most unpredictable tennis players on the ATP Tour because he can play some amazing tennis. However, it doesn't happen often, and he can collapse fairly quickly when things go south.
The Serbian didn't play much this year, and when he did, he didn't shine as well as he could. Per reports, the Serbian lost to Grigor Dimitrov in a practice match before the event, and he didn't look good at the start of this match either.
Nobody was really stunned that he had a slow start in the Italian capital because he tends to do that. He lost his opening game but did break back immediately after.
Djokovic surrendered his serve once more in the game after that, and Moutet held for a 3-1 lead in the opening set. Still, slowly but surely, Djokovic found his rhythm, and once he settled, he took over.
He first made it 3-3 with some really solid play. As Moutet started to lose his focus, Djokovic upped the pressure and finished off the opening set, winning it 6-3.
Moutet struggled greatly on his second serve, and unfortunately, when it mattered the most, the French player didn't find the solution. The second set opened with another break for the 36-year-old, who by now looked like he figured out how to beat his opponent.
Even when Moutet found a moment, Djokovic would crush it. He faced break points at 1-0 in the second but saved them to go up 2-0. From there, it was a rather painless journey to the finish line for the Serbian. The final score was 6-3, 6-1, and he won again.
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