Djokovic rediscovers winning touch in Madrid

Djokovic was stunned by Jiri Vesely in the second round at the Monte Carlo Masters last month, a defeat that marked the world number one's first loss against a player from outside the top 50 since June 2010.

But the Serbian had no such difficulties against teenager Coric, needing just an hour and 18 minutes to win 6-2 6-4 on the clay in the Spanish capital and set up a last-16 clash with 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut.

The 11-time grand slam champion struck the first break in the fourth game, going 40-15 up on Coric's serve, with the Croatian then sending a backhand long to hand Djokovic the initiative.

It was one he never looked like surrendering as Djokovic went a set to the good, but Coric did provide more stubborn resistance in the second.

Djokovic was forced to save a break point in the seventh game of the second set, but he needed only one opportunity to seal a spot in the third round.

A Coric forehand into the net handed Djokovic two match points, and only one was required as an errant cross-court forehand ensured the top seed's triumph.