Djokovic makes winning return to action, advances to round three at Monte Carlo Masters:

Novak Djokovic returns to Ivan Gakhov in Monaco on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic made a winning return to action as he fought his way into the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 7-6(5), 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Ivan Gakhov.

It was Djokovic's first tournament in over a month as he was forced to miss the Sunshine swing - Indian Wells and Miami Open - both ATP 1000 masters events, after he was denied entry to the United States over his vaccination status.

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Meanwhile, fourth-seeded Casper Ruud extended his winning streak on clay to nine matches to reach the third round on Wednesday.
The 2022 French Open runner-up was made to work hard by Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match at the Country Club before winning 7-5, 7-6 (1) on the slow surface.

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