(Tennis news) Novak Djokovic came from a set down to defeat France’s Luca Van Assche 6-7 6-3 6-2 at the Banja Luka Open. The Serbian was not in the ideal physical condition ahead of the match against the 18 year old due to an elbow injury and faced a tricky opponent in Van Assche, who had already defeated Stan Wawrinka in the last round. The French player broke to lead at 5-4 in the opening set. 

However, Djokovic broke straight back but Van Assche forced a tiebreak and he went on to win it, taking a shock lead. The Serbian showed great control and experience in the remaining two sets, dropping just two points on serve to take the second set 6-3. Van Assche broke in the first game of the decider but Djokovic fought back, going on to take a 6-2 lead but also receiving a time violation for slow play. 

In other results, British number 1 Cameron Norrie defeated Pavel Kotov 6-1 6-2 in one hour and 15 minutes to reach the third round of the Barcelona Open. Britain’s Dan Evans also progressed into the next round by defeating Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-4 6-3 on Wednesday. The results meant that Norrie will now face Lorenzo Musetti in the next round while Evans will take on Karen Khachanov.

Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Pedro Cachin 6-4 6-2. The Greek player did not face a break point and converted all three of his own while fourth seed Jannik Sinner defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-2 6-4. Sinner, who reached the semi-finals in the Indian Wells and the final at the Miami Open will aim to make it better than his last four finish at the Monte Carlo Masters. 

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