"I am still finding my groove but it's a very good win and I'll take it, I did well in the important moments" - Novak Djokovic after 2R win against Gael Monfils in Madrid

Novak Djokovic raced into the third round of the 2022 Madrid Masters on Tuesday, decimating Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2 to notch up his 18th win in a row against the Frenchman.

The World No. 1 produced a tidy display and, more importantly, won the first set for the first time in seven matches.

Speaking after the win, the Serb maintained that he is still "finding his groove," but sounded pleased with the way he controlled the proceedings in his "best match of the year."

Djokovic reserved high praise for his opponent as well, lauding Monfils for his athleticism and movement on the court that made him such a tricky competitor to play against.

"Probably the best match of the year so far for me. I mean, I haven't played many matches and I am still finding my groove. But it's a very good win and I'll take it," Djokovic said. "Against a very tricky opponent who is so fast and you have to expect that you are going to have to play an extra shot against Gael Monfils. He's one of the quickest and most athletic players we have in the game."

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was also proud of the way he adapted to the conditions in Madrid so quickly. After practicicing only on sunny days, the World No. 1 had to put up with an overcast morning that saw his match interrupted midway by brief showers.

The Serb reckoned he was lucky to get the break, since he could mentally reset and raise his level immediately after play resumed.

"These days, I have been practicing in different conditions -- sunny, the ball bouncing more, faster and quicker practice courts. Then obviously, [today it was] a rainy day with the roof closed, a lot of clay on the court, you have to adapt to that. I felt like I did well in the important moments," Djokovic said. "The [rain] interruption helped me a bit to get my things together and I made a break right away as soon as we continued. So, all in all, it was a good performance."

Novak Djokovic takes on Andy Murray in the third round

Novak Djokovic will square off against Andy Murray next

Following his victory over Gael Monfils, Novak Djokovic will take on Andy Murray in the third round of the 2022 Madrid Masters. Murray defeated Dominic Thiem in the first round and Denis Shapovalov in three sets in the second round.

The Serb has a winning record against Murray, leading the head-to-head against the Brit 25-11. Murray has beaten the 20-time Grand Slam champion on only one occasion in six meetings on clay, in the 2016 Rome Masters final. This will be the pair's first meeting since the final in Doha in 2017.

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Also Check Out :-Madrid Open 2022 Results