Novak Djokovic reaches Rome Masters quarterfinals with a tough win over Thomaz Bellucci

Novak Djokovic plays a backhand in his win over Thomas Bellucci at the Rome Masters

Novak Djokovic beat Brazilian qualifier Thomaz Bellucci 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the last eight at the Rome Masters on Thursday. The World No. 1 extended his winning streak to 19 with this victory.

The first set was too close to call as both players held their serve with relative ease. It was Bellucci who struck first as he converted his only break point chance in the eleventh game to lead 6-5.

The second set saw Djokovic get an early break to lead 3-1. The Serb won an impressive 92% points off his first serve and broke Bellucci’s serve for the second time to close out the second set. Bellucci was 0-40 down in the sixth game of the decider and Djokovic got the crucial break to lead 4-2. Although the Brazilian broke back immediately, the Serb broke Bellucci again and served out the match.

The defending champion is coming back into the groove after missing out from the Madrid Masters. He got past Nicolas Almagro here in three sets as well. The next match will be his toughest test yet as he faces Kei Nishikori, who hasn’t dropped a set so far in his campaign.