Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic upset Rafael Nadal in Monte-Carlo last year. Can he repeat the feat and defend his title this year? Reuters

Defending champion Novak Djokovic takes on Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round of the 2014 Monte-Carlo Masters at the Court Central in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, on Thursday.

Where to Watch Live

The play is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm BST. Live coverage will be available on Sky Sports 3 and Sky Sports 3 HD. Real-time internet updates and the live streaming link are available on ATP's official website.

Overview

World No 2, Djokovic began his title defence in Monte-Carlo Masters by crushing Albert Montanes in the second round on Tuesday.

The Serbian required only 45 minutes to secure his progress registering a 6-1, 6-0 victory in straight sets, marking his sixth straight victory against the 33-year-old Spaniard in overall meetings.

Playing in Monte-Carlo Masters for the first time in his career, Carreno Busta pulled off a shocker in the opening two rounds of the tournament.

In the first round, the 22-year-old defeated Croatia's Ivan Dodig, 6-3, 6-3, in straight sets after 65 minutes on Tuesday. The Spaniard then recorded another victory in straight sets in the second round beating Gael Monfils, 6-3, 7-6 (6) on Wednesday.

Djokovic denied Rafael Nadal his ninth straight victory in the final in Monte-Carlo clay last year. The 26-year-old will be keen on defending his title and is clearly a favourite to defeat the player ranked 60 places below him in the ATP World Rankings.

The winner of the third round clash will face the winner between Tomas Berdych and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the quarter-final on Friday.

Head-to-Head

Djokovic and Carreno Busta have never faced each other in any competition in the past.

Novak Djokovic