MONTE CARLO: Novak Djokovic, world number two came very close to an unexpected exit from the Monte Carlo Master’s on Tuesday before finally emerging victorious with a 6-3 3-6 7-5 second-round victory against France’s exuberant Gilles Simon. The Serbian was broken for 5-4 in the decider but bagged three games in a row to end Simon’s resilience and reach the third round of the first European clay court tournament of the season. Djokovic, who had a first-round bye, will next take on either Russian Karen Khachanov or 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, of Spain. “It was a very difficult match, with many changes of momentum,” said Djokovic. “It was very tiring for me, the first clay of the season. “But this is the start of the Roland Garros build-up.” Earlier, local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, back from a one-month layoff, was knocked out by fellow Frenchman, qualifier Adrian Mannarino, 6-7(3) 6-2 6-3.