Novak Djokovic started his clay court season in impressive fashion, says Mark Petchey

Novak Djokovic easily handled the added pressure on his shoulders during his opening win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the Monte Carlo Masters, says Mark Petchey.

The Serb is hoping to end his long wait for a French Open title and marked his first clay court match of the season with a convincing 6-1 6-4 win over Ramos-Vinolas in the second round.

Djokovic lost his composure during his recent Miami Open final win over Andy Murray, receiving a stern lecture from the umpire after venting his frustrations towards a ball boy.

But Petchey highlighted his ice-cool approach against Ramos-Vinolas, with just a momentary lapse.

That little moment of frustration, a little shout and then he was back on it. He didn’t really give Ramos another look in.

“We saw at 2-1 in the second set, Novak had a deuce game where he looked to get a bit frustrated with himself, and that’s where I think he manages his emotions very well," said the Sky Sports expert.

“His expectations will be high right now, not only because of the wins he’s had, but because he wants to perform well at Roland Garros and the fact that he’s done so well here in the past as well. It’s his home tournament.

“That little moment of frustration, a little shout and then he was back on it. He didn’t really give Ramos another look in."

Racking up a 13th straight win, Djokovic ruthlessly seized upon any loose shots from the Spaniard, who trailed 4-0 in a one-sided opening set.

Ramos-Vinolas offered a more testing workout in the second and Petchey believes the world No 1 maintained his usual high standards throughout.

"These people are able, even when they are that good, to roll through people love and one and not get complacent about the situation,” he said.

“I think the key word is respect. They look down the other end and Ramos is a very good clay-courter. Okay he’s not a great clay courter, but he is a very good clay courter and Novak thinks: ‘Yes you’re not as good as me, but I do respect the fact that if I drop my level, you could become a problem for me.’

“They just don’t get cocky at any stage in the match.”