The clash between runner-up Monte Carlo and Kei Nishikori in the opening match caused Nole to concentrate highly. Because, if he stumbles once more, he will continue to slide on the ATP rankings.
Set 1 witnessed a final attack with powerful right-hand shots. Nishikori took the break in game 5 when he showed more stability in the long ball. However, Nole reclaimed the break in game 6.
After game 6, the two players chased the score closely. The courage of Nole - who owns 12 Grand Slams titles - spoke up at the right time to help him win an important break in the 12th game. Thereby leading to a convincing victory in set 1 with a score of 7-5.
The tug-of-war scenario of set 1 was still repeated in set 2. The closer to the end of the match, Djokovic showed his opponent in both tactics and competition mentality. With a game of good form for both attack and defense, the Serbian tennis player excellently won a break in the 10th game of set 2 against Nishikori's helplessness.
Winning the final after 2 sets with the scores of 7-5 and 6-4, Novak Djokovic continued to the second round of Madrid Open 2018.
In other developments, Benoit Paire easily overcame Lucas Pouille after 2 sets (6-2, 6-3). Milos Raonic also only needed 2 sets (6-3, 6-2) to defeat unknown tennis player Nicolas Kicker. Diego Schwartzman is the next name to advance to the second round after a 6-1 and 6-3 victories over Adrian Mannarino.
