Djokovic beats Juan at Cincinnati

CINCINNATI: Top seed Novak Djokovic began his quest for a first title at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters in Wednesday with a defeat of Argentine Juan Monaco 7-5, 6-2.

The Serb world number one looked to have the first set in hand with a 4-1 lead when Monaco suddenly came alive to run off four straight games for a 5-4 lead.

Djokovic survived and then controlled the second to earn the win in his opening match.

Djokovic is bidding for history this week. A title here would make him the first man to ever win all nine Masters 1000 trophies over the course of a career.

He next faces Belgian qualifier David Goffing, who beat Canada's Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (8/6). (AFP)