Djokovic tested by Etcheverry in Italian Open win; Swiatek cruises
Italy's Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Andrew Medichini]
ROME (AP) — Novak Djokovic was tested by 61st-ranked Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a 7-6, 6-2 opening win at the Italian Open. Djokovic is aiming for a seventh title on the red clay of the Foro Italico as he prepares for the French Open. He twice had to recover from deficits during a tight first set. Jannik Sinner was nearly unbeatable on his serve in a 6-1, 6-4 win over Thanasi Kokkinakis. In women’s action, Iga Swiatek opened her bid for a third straight Rome title by routing Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-0, 6-0.
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Italy's Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Andrew Medichini
Italy's Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Andrew Medichini
Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis returns the ball to Italy's Jannik Sinner during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Andrew Medichini