Novak Djokovic reached the 1/8 finals of the tournament in Monte Carlo, defeating in two sets the 198th player of the ATP ranking Ivan Gakhov. The Serb won 7-6(5), 6-2.

Novak Djokovic, eighth in Monte Carlo

Novak Djokovic had a tough match in Monte Carlo, taking one hour and 48 minutes to book his place in the next stage of the competition.

Leader Djokovic had a very tough first set and at one point was led by the Russian, who was ranked 198 in the ATP rankings.

In the second act, Novak Djokovic somehow managed to impose his game, after playing one-on-one until the score was 2-2.

The world leader will meet the winner of the duel between Luca Nardi (159 ATP) and Lorenzo Musetti (21 ATP) in the round of 16.

The Monte Carlo Masters takes place from April 9 to 16 on clay, has a total prize pool of €5,779,335, with Novak Djokovic as the top favorite and Stefanos Tsitsipas the champion of the last two tournaments.

What you need to know about the Monte Carlo Masters

• Player with the most titles: Rafael Nadal (11)

• Most doubles titles: Mike Bryan (6)

• Oldest champion: Nicola Pietrangeli (34 years old in 1968)

• Youngest champion: Mats Wilander (18 years old, 1983)

• Lowest Champion: Andrew Pattinson (49th in 1974)

• Most wins: Rafael Nadal (73).