BEIJING, May 8 -- Third-ranked Novak Djokovic showed no signs of illness Wednesday as he cruised past Steve Darcis 6-4, 6-0 in his opening match at the Rome Masters.

    In the Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic pulled out of his semifinal match against top-ranked Roger Federer after falling behind 3-6, 2-3. Tests afterward revealed he had strep throat.

    "I finished with my medication yesterday," the Serb said. "So hopefully now I'll get better in the future."

    Against the 49th-ranked Darcis, Djokovic broke at love in the final game of the first set, then rolled through the second.

    "I feel good. I'm satisfied with the way I played today. The first match is always tough," Djokovic said in fluent Italian. "I feel at home in Italy. I like playing here."

    Djokovic said that the Australian Open changed his life. "Now I want to become No. 1 this year."

    (Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)