The pair had never played each other previously, and Djokovic served first.
After three games the world #1 led 2-1 on serve, Caruso needing to save a break point in his opening effort from the line. Djokovic broke through in the fourth game, converting with the second of two break points, and subsequently consolidating, although he himself had to negotiate a pair of break points.
At 4-2, and 30-15, the backhand of Djokovic let him down, and when a forehand drifted long he faced break point. It was saved thanks to a quality first serve. An Italian winning forehand set up break chance #2, but another big first serve saved the day for Djokovic who held on for 5-2.
The first set was served out 6-3 in favour of the top seed.
Caruso avoided a break of serve in the opening game of set two, and games were 2-2 with Caruso presenting a far more competitive contest than expected.
Nevertheless, Djokovic was able to do his work, forcing errors from the Italian racquet in game five. Two break points arrived, and an unforced forehand mistake from Caruso gifted the game and a 3-2 advantage to Djokovic.
Serving at 3-5, Caruso won the opening point but it was all Djokovic after that, and he won the game with a final backhand volley, grabbing the set 6-3.
In the third set, Djokovic struggled in the opening game, saving a break point before holding serve. He didn’t drop another point on serve for the match, while constantly threatening the serve of Caruso. From 2-2 it was a clinic for the world’s best and he strolled into the round of sixteen.
Novak Djokovic won 6-3 6-3 6-2.
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