Djokovic beats Tipsarevic to reach quarter-finals

By Zoran Milosavljevic

BELGRADE (Reuters) - World number three Novak Djokovic overpowered compatriot Janko Tipsarevic 6-2 4-6 6-0 in his first ATP match on home soil to reach the third round of the inaugural Serbian Open on Wednesday.

Djokovic, given a bye in the first round, faces another all-Serbian clash in the quarter-finals after Viktor Troicki beat Spaniard Marcel Granollers 6-3 6-4 to advance into the last eight.

"It's very unfortunate that we have to play each other at this stage of the competition but the positive side is that one Serb will reach the semi-finals," Djokovic said in a courtside interview.

"I was disappointed when I saw the draw because it's never easy to play against close friends, but on the other hand it was a real treat for the fans.

"It was a fantastic atmosphere tonight and I am very pleased the crowd supported both Tipsarevic and me. I hit several good shots when I needed to and when I broke him in the third set, his confidence was dented and I took full advantage."

Djokovic appeared unnerved when at least a half of the 7,000 crowd got behind world number 63 Tipsarevic, who repaid them with an inspired performance in the second set after tamely surrendering the first.

But he ran out of steam in the third and Djokovic ruthlessly brushed him aside with a combination of powerful serves and stinging baseline shots.

Djokovic, the only top 20 player taking part, is the odds-on favourite to win the tournament, although he warned that several of his rivals were capable of upsetting him.

(Editing by Rex Gowar)