Djokovic Holds Off Dimitrov to reach last 16 in Rome

Novak Djokovic reached the last 16 of the Italian Open after defeating Grigor Dimitrov, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 in Rome on Sunday

Six-time Rome champion Djokovic overcame second-set frustration with a high-class third-set showing to see off Dimitrov .

The top seed and defending champion had appeared set for a routine third-round victory when he led Dimitrov by a set and a break at 6-3, 4-2.

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An inspired run of four games from the Bulgarian forced a decider at the Foro Italico, but Djokovic expertly raised his level to reach the fourth round with his 1050th tour-level victory.

Sluggish Djokovic finds a way

“[I was] very solid. I think I could have won in straight sets,” said Djokovic.

“I was a set and 4-2 up and had a pretty decent forehand in the middle of the court at deuce on his serve and missed that. He held his serve well, we had new balls the next game, I did a double fault, the crowd got into it and got behind him and of course the energy of the place and the of the match changed,” said Djokovic

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The Serbian could face Holger Rune next

“I dropped my level a bit, but luckily I managed find it right away in the first game [of the third set], made that crucial break and kind of shifted the momentum to my side, so I’m really pleased with the way I closed out the match.”

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Holger Rune remains a potential quarter-final opponent for Djokovic if both players manage to get through the last 16 in Rome.

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