 Djokovic was relieved to reach the second round |
Third seed Novak Djokovic had to work hard to see off Igor Andreev in three sets in the Estoril Open first round. The world number five, who is making a stuttering start to the clay season, finally prevailed 6-2 4-6 7-6 (7-5) after two hours and 42 minutes.
Russian Andreev is currently ranked 177 in the world but he was the last man to beat Rafael Nadal on clay back in 2005.
"I'm not so pleased with my form, but I have to look on the positive side," said 19-year-old Serbian Djokovic.
"It was good to get through such a tough match as this one. It can only help in the next round."
Djokovic will now play fellow teenager Santiago Ventura of Spain.
In other action on the opening day, eighth seed Gael Monfils of France was upset 7-5 1-6 6-2 by Argentine Juan Monaco.
Top seed Nikolay Davydenko will not begin his Estoril challenge until Wednesday while second seed Tommy Robredo plays fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes on Tuesday.
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