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 21st, 2012.
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 21st, 2012.