Nadal shines in Monte Carlo, Djokovic passes test

World No 1 Rafael Nadal launched his bid for an 11th Monte Carlo Masters title with a 6-1 6-3 second-round victory over Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene as Novak Djokovic overcame a late wobble to see off Borna Coric Wednesday. Nadal breezed through the opener, bringing up set point with a trademark curling forehand before sealing the set with a deft drop shot. Bedene, ranked 58th in the world, put up a stiffer fight in the second set, holding serve until the sixth game before Nadal broke twice in succession to seal a convincing victory in an hour and 17 minutes.

Keeping the energy high and my mind in the game ?? We can do this #TeamDjokovic pic.twitter.com/PwImacl5pc

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) April 18, 2018

The Spaniard, who is chasing a record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title, will take on Russian Karen Khachanov in the last 16. Djokovic squandered nine match points before clinching a 7-6 (2) 7-5 second-round victory over Coric. The Croatian saved two match points while trailing 5-3 in the second set and recovered from 40-0 down on Djokovic's serve before saving four match points in an epic 10th game.

10-time @ROLEXMCMASTERS champion @RafaelNadal improves to 64-4 lifetime in Monte-Carlo with a 61 63 victory over Bedene. In 15 career opening round matches, Rafa has won 30 of 31 sets. Next: 2-0 vs. @karenkhachanov (d. Simon 62 62).

— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) April 18, 2018

Djokovic, who has twice won the Monte Carlo title, broke back immediately before claiming victory on his 10th match point to set up a third-round clash with fifth seed Dominic Thiem. Japan's Kei Nishikori, who missed a large part of last season with a wrist injury, looked sharp as he beat Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2 to record his sixth competitive win of the year. World No 3 Marin Cilic booked a last-16 spot with a 6-3 7-6 (4) win victory over Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco.