Djokovic switches off from grief to beat Haase

Nadal through to Monte Carlo semis as well.

MONTE CARLO: World number one Novak Djokovic said his years in the sport helped him switch off his emotions to beat Robin Haase and reach the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters, a day after learning of the death of his grandfather.

The Serb, had some trouble focusing as he let Dutchman Haase recover from 4-1 down to 4-4 in the first set but wowed a supportive crowd as he went on to win 6-4 6-2.

“Today was better, but still a lot of emotional ups and downs throughout the match,” said Djokovic. “I’m very satisfied that I was able to compose myself and get on the court and try to win matches. I got to the semi-finals, which is a big result for me under the circumstances.”

Djokovic, chasing Rafael Nadal’s French Open crown, will play Czech Tomas Berdych in the semis.Meanwhile, second-seed Spaniard Nadal beat Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 7-5, 6-4 to also reach the semi-finals.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2012.