ROME — Top-ranked Novak Djokovic returned from three weeks off and showed some signs of rust in a 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3 win over Spanish opponent Nicolas Almagro at the Italian Open on Tuesday.
Djokovic was poised to close the match out in straight sets with a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker but Almagro won five consecutive points to force a third.
"In the important moments today I did feel a little uncomfortable. Maybe that's from lack of playing," Djokovic said. "I'm sure I'll be back on track in no time."
Almagro, whose ranking is down to No.