World tennis No 1, Novak Djokovic, was back to his ruthless best as he thrashed Croatian Borna Coric 6-2, 6-4 at the Madrid Open on Wednesday.
Djokovic, who had not played in Madrid since 2013, served four double faults but relied on his return to overpower Coric.
“I thought I was serving quite well in the practice sessions, but then the first set went well, the second, not so much,” said Djokovic, who claimed his only Madrid title in 2011 when he beat Rafael Nadal in the final.
Djokovic’s next opponent will be Roberto Bautista Agut.
Australian Nick Kyrgios knocked out fourth seed, Stanislas Wawrinka, with a scintillating display.
The 20-year-old got a 28-day ban and $25,000 fine after making lurid remarks about Wawrinka’s girlfriend during their match at the Rogers Cup in Montreal last year.
Kyrgios, who has had several brushes with authority, was widely criticised, but his 7-6(7), 7-6(2) second round victory on Wednesday was further proof of a growing maturity after he won his first ATP title earlier this year in Marseille.
There was the odd outburst at the umpire, one after a first serve during the first-set tie-break was called out despite appearing to clip the line, but Kyrgios kept his emotions in check to edge Wawrinka.
Sam Querrey of the United States defeated Lucas Pouille of France 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 and eighth-seeded Tomas Berdych beat Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-3.
Kei Nishikori, the sixth seed, had a narrow escape before joining Kyrgios in the third round.
Italy’s Fabio Fognini recovered from losing the opening set to level the match and served for the match at 5-4 in the decider.
Nishikori won 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 to set up a meeting with Frenchman Richard Gasquet.
