PARIS: Mischa Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to defeat Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2 6-7(4) 6-1 and reach the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday. German Zverev converted six out of 14 break points against the world number 176 to prevail in two hours 34 minutes and set up a meeting with French seventh seed Lucas Pouille. Earlier, Karen Khachanov beat Australian wild card Thanasi Kokkinakis 7-5 6-4 to advance. The Russian 21-year-old could face Gilles Simon or 16th seed Adrian Mannarino next. Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who is struggling to return to his best form since having elbow surgery earlier this year, takes on Serbian compatriot Dusan Lajovic on Monday. The 12-times grand slam winner ended his collaboration with head coach Andre Agassi and coach Radek Stepanek earlier this month. World number one Rafa Nadal, who returned to action from a leg injury in Spain’s Davis Cup win against Germany last week, is chasing a record-extending 11th title at the claycourt tournament. Published in Daily Times, April 16th 2018.