Djokovic is remarkably consistent in Rome
The Serbian is chasing his seventh Italian Open title
Novak Djokovic reached the quarter-final in the ongoing Italian Open in Rome after defeating Cameroon Norrie 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday [May 16].
The Serbian star made his way into his 17th consecutive quarter-final in Rome.
"So far so good," Djokovic said when asked about his tournament so far. "It was an early start today. Strange conditions and we warmed up for just 20 minutes. I was rushing a little bit and we couldn't play before because of the rain, so I am glad to overcome the challenge in straight sets and move on," he added.
Djokovic has been exceptional in Rome since 2007. While winning the tournament six times in the duration, the Serbian never failed to make it to the quarter-finals of the tournament at the very least.
The 35-year-old will next meet Dane Holger Rune in the quarters.
Earlier in the tournament, the world number one Carlos Alcaraz was out of the Italian Open stunned by Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan on Monday.
While talking about his defeat on clay against world number 135, Alcaraz talked about the aggression of the Hungarian which made him “uncomfortable”.
“I was perfect physically. I just didn't feel comfortable," the Spaniard told reporters. "He made me feel uncomfortable on court. He was aggressive all the time.
"It was tough for me to get into the match, into the rally. I made a lot of mistakes that I usually don't make. Obviously, these days can happen and you have to handle it.
"In the second set, I was close, I had my chances but didn't take them. He was at the same level all the time. He deserves the win."
Alcaraz has been in great form this season after winning titles in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Madrid.
The 20-year-old is looking for some time off before the French Open, which starts on May 28.
"I'm going to rest a little bit. I need some days to reset my mind, to be fresh for Roland Garros," Alcaraz said.
"Of course, to practice. That's no secret. If I want to have good results in Paris, if I want to go to Paris in good shape, I have to practice.”
"I couldn't practice more than three or four days in a row. I've been playing so much. It's going to be really helpful to have days at home practising and getting ready,” he concluded.
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