CLASH OF THE WOUNDED
Novak Djokovic scores best-ranked victory at Madrid Open
Madrid — Novak Djokovic scored his best-ranked victory in almost a year by coming through his nightmare first round against world No20 Kei Nishikori at the Madrid Open on Monday. The 12-time Major champion could now face Kyle Edmund in round two if the Briton wins his own awkward opener on Tuesday against the talented Daniil Medvedev. Not long ago, Djokovic versus Nishikori would have been a match for the latter stages of a Grand Slam but struggles with fitness caused these two to meet first up on Manolo Santana. Djokovic prevailed 7-5 6-4, producing some scintillating tennis when it mattered most to register his first win over a top-20 opponent since he beat Gael Monfils at Eastbourne last June. At their best, Djokovic and Nishikori were perhaps the game’s two outstanding athletes. But injuries — to the wrist for Nishikori and elbow for Djokovic — have left each attempting recoveries, and it was certainly evident here that both are still some way away. If Edmund beats Medvedev, he ...
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