(Tennis news) Cameron Norrie and Novak Djokovic progressed to the last 32 of the Italian Open while Iga Swiatek also progressed in the women’s event. Norrie defeated Alexandre Muller 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 14 minutes and will now take on Marton Fucsovics in the third round. The British number 1 had disappointing second round exits in the Madrid and Barcelona Open and was eliminated from the first round in Monte Carlo.

Meanwhile, Djokovic defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 and could potentially face Norrie in the quarter-finals. It was the Serbian’s first match since his quarter-final defeat to Dusan Lajovic at the Srpska Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina last month. Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open due to problems with his right elbow and appeared a little rusty this time around, committing 21 unforced errors. 

Speaking in the on-court interview after the match, Djokovic said “It’s always a little bit tricky playing someone for the first time. He’s a clay-court specialist. He started better than I did, I started pretty slow. I found my groove towards the end of the first set. The second set was good, especially the last three or four games. I’m happy with the way I closed out the match.” 

In the women’s category, reigning world number 1 Iga Swiatek defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-0 6-0 and will now take on either Bernarda Pera or Lesia Tsurenko in the third round. Meanwhile, Ons Jabeur was knocked out of the Italian Open after losing to Paula Badosa 6-1 6-4 in her first match since returning from a calf injury.

Also read: Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka knocked out of the Italian Open