Novak Djokovic raised his head by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, beating Lorenzo Musetti in straight with the score of 7-5 6-3, after taking a big risk in the first set.
Nole’s revenge came exactly one year after the one he suffered in the 4th round of the ATP Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo against Musetti.
Novak Djokovic© Julian Finney / Staff Getty Images Sport
That was a defeat that allowed the Serbian champion to increase the number of rounds of his tennis on clay, culminating in the triumph at the Roland Garros.
“There was a little exchange with the crowd at 4-3, 40/0 in his favour, but from then on I gained momentum. Maybe he lost a bit of concentration. He was the best player on the court in the first few seven games and played excellent tennis.
He played great shots and made me run a lot. But this means playing on clay: things can change very quickly and a break is not a big advantage compared to other surfaces,” said Nole afterwards victory.
Novak Djokovic© Julian Finney / Staff Getty Images Sport
Djokovic: “I don’t reach my best level, yet”
“It was like a rollercoaster in the second set, but I’m happy to have played aggressively in difficult moments. A tactic that paid off,” added the Serb.
“I don’t think I’ve reached my best level, but today was an excellent test against a great player. I lost to him last year in Monte-Carlo in very similar circumstances. I was ahead by a set and 4- 2 also in 2023 and I thought about this when I lost serve from 40-15 at 4-2 today.
I said to myself: Oh no, I hope it’s not a similar scenario to last year. I’m really happy to have passed the challenge and look forward to the next match,” he analyzed.
Novak Djokovic© Julian Finney / Staff Getty Images Sport
Djokovic had not reached the quarterfinals in Monte Carlo since 2019 and he will face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals. The Australian inflicted his first defeat of the season at the United Cup.
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