Djokovic bounces back from bagel to reach Italian Open quarters

London: World number one Novak Djokovic displayed resilience and composure as he stormed back from a first set bagel to defeat Thomaz Bellucci in thrilling three sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the Italian Open in Rome yesterday.

The Serbian defending champion recorded 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Bellucci in one of the strangest matches of his career and will next face Spanish rival Rafael Nadal for a berth in the semifinals, the Guardian reported.

In contrast, world number three Andy Murray had a relatively easy time, cruising into the quarterfinals after registering a thumping 6-0, 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy in a contest that lasted one hour and 17 minutes.

Meanwhile, Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who is still coping an injured back, joined his Swiss compatriot and French Open champion, Stan Wawrinka, on the way home after being beaten by Austrian Dominic Thiem in the third round. (ANI)