Novak Djokovic cruises past Albert Ramos to reach second round in Monte Carlo

Novak Djokovic has cruised into the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters with a straight-sets win over Albert Ramos this afternoon.

The world number one, who won the competition two years ago, recorded a 6-1 6-4 victory to keep alive his hopes of a second title in the principality.

The 2013 champion barely broke sweat as he comfortably established a 4-0 lead, with Ramos winning the fifth game to avoid a whitewash.

Nevertheless, Djokovic comfortably won the remaining two games to complete a first-set rout that showed why he is ranked some 66 places above the Spaniard.

Ramos dug deep in the second set and made Djokovic work for his victory and, with three games apiece, found himself with a shot to level up the match.

However, a crucial break of serve in the seventh game helped tip the set in Djokovic's favour as the Serbian built on his 4-3 lead to close out the match.