Novak Djokovic has knocked Nice Britain’s Cameron Norrie out of the Italian Open on the last-16 stage, profitable in straight units 6-3 6-4.
Djokovic will face the winner of Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in opposition to Denmark’s Holger Rune within the quarter-finals in Rome.
The world No 1 was just too strong for Norrie in a victory that maintains his report of by no means having misplaced earlier than the quarter-finals in Rome.
The primary speaking level got here within the fourth sport of the second set as Norrie sought to retrieve an early break.
Djokovic turned his again on the play after presenting his opponent with a simple smash, just for Norrie, seemingly unintentionally, to drill the ball into the Serbian’s legs.
Djokovic gave the British No 1 a particularly frosty stare and there was an edge to the competition thereafter, however Norrie by no means actually threatened to land greater than a glancing blow.
The 27-year-old, who had misplaced each his earlier conferences with Djokovic, dropped serve initially of the competition and was saved at arm’s size by the remainder of the opening set, with the six-time champion placing on a tactical masterclass.
Norrie withstood stress after the smash incident to carry his serve till 4-4, when Djokovic made the decisive transfer to succeed in the final eight.
“It was an early begin immediately, unusual circumstances,” Djokovic stated on Amazon Prime Video.
“I completed my warm-up 10 minutes earlier than I went on courtroom so I used to be speeding a bit with all the things. I am simply glad to beat immediately’s problem in straight units and transfer on.”
The 35-year-old was serving noticeably slower than traditional however he was coy on the explanation for an early morning go to to the therapy room.
“Each day is one thing,” he stated. “Fortunately I used to be in a position to play and end the match so hopefully tomorrow I’ll really feel even higher.”
