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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal struggle in Madrid Masters openers

Updated on: 11 May,2017 08:31 AM IST  |  Madrid
AFP |

Novak Djokovic staved off a huge upset and Rafael Nadal was made to battle in their opening matches at the Madrid Masters on Wednesday

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal struggle in Madrid Masters openers

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios


Novak Djokovic staved off a huge upset and Rafael Nadal was made to battle in their opening matches at the Madrid Masters on Wednesday. In his first outing since splitting with his long-time coaching team, Djokovic had to dig deep before eventually despatching Nicolas Almagro 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in his second-round tie. Nadal was also taken to three sets before seeing off Fabio Fognini 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-4.


"My level of tennis was not so high today, but I managed to make it through the first round. It was uncomfortable. It was a really awful day. it was really windy," Nadal said. "It's true I've been through some difficult days with the issue of my ear (infection), which cost me a little bit of general stability.


"I feel a little bit strange. But it's something that is getting better day after day." Djokovic arrived in the Spanish capital without a coach after bringing to an end a 10-year relationship with Marian Vajda in an attempt to reverse his dramatic slump in form over the past year. And after a blistering start, Djokovic had to battle back from 3-0 down in the deciding set to book his place in the last 16 on Thursday against Feliciano Lopez, who beat Gilles Simon 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3).

"I'm still finding my way to that consistency level and quality of tennis that I'm looking for," said Djokovic. "I'm aware that I'm not playing at my best, but I'm definitely believing in myself and the process. "Eventually the game will come together."

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