Novak Djokovic was severely tested before securing a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber to survive his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday. The winner of the last three Grand Slams made eight double faults, dropped serve four times and smashed a racquet after losing the second set to his German opponent in the second-round encounter.

The World No. 1 was relieved to avoid defeat in his first match of the clay season. "It was a difficult match, there were lots of breaks [a run of eight straight during the second and third sets]," Djokovic said.