Rome, May 7:

Serbia’s Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic cruised into the third round of the Rome Masters here on Wednesday following a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Belgian Steve Darcis.

The world number 49 put up a fight in the first set but Djokovic simply blew him away in the second. The world number three has had a sensational start to the season, winning the first Grand Slam of the year and then also claiming the Indian Wells Masters title. He currently leads the ATP champions race and is closing in on the world’s top two — Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — above him in the rankings.

After this romp, Djokovic admitted that his aim is to finish the year at the top of the pile. The Serb is not known for his clay court expertise but he did win the Estoril Open on the surface last year.