Novak Djokovic handily beat Roman Safiullin, 6-1, 6-2, to reach the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.
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DJOKOVIC TOPS SAFIULLIN IN CLAY-COURT RETURN
Djokovic defeated Safiullin as the oldest world No.1 at 36 in his 420th week based on the latest ATP rankings.
The Serbian superstar, who will turn 37 next month, is playing his first clay-court tournament this year in preparation for the French Open.
Djokovic is ready to defend his title at Roland Garros when play begins on May 26.
The tournament is also Djokovic’s first since he split with retired tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic as coach.
NOVAK PASSES FEDERER AS OLDEST WORLD NO.1
Djokovic’s 420 total weeks as world No.1 at 36 topped the previous record held by retired Swiss maestro Roger Federer.
Federer previously held the oldest men’s world No.1 title on his last day atop the rankings in June 2018.
Reigning Australian Open Jannik Sinner stayed at No.2 behind Djokovic, followed by former No.2 Carlos Alcaraz.
Daniil Medvedev (No.4) and Alexander Zverev (No.5) rounded out the top five, as they kept their places from a week ago.
ZVEREV JOINS DJOKOVIC IN THIRD ROUND
Zverev will give Djokovic company in the third round after he defeated Sebastian Ofner of Australia, 6-3, 6-4.
The German will next face either two-time Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas or Tomas Martin Etcheverrry.
In other men’s matches, No.11 Alex Minsaur of Australia dominated 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka, 6-3, 6-0.
No.10 Herbert Hurkacz also progressed into the next round, with the Polish star ousting Britain’s Jack Draper, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2).
Meanwhile, No.2 seed Sinner will take on Sebastian Korda on Wednesday.
Sinner has a 22-1 win-loss record so far this year after winning the Australian Open and the Miami Open recently.
