Monte Carlo Masters: Smooth sailing into semis for Djokovic
World number one thrashes US Open champ Cilic in straight sets.
World number one thrashes US Open champ Cilic in straight sets. PHOTO: AFP
MONTE CARLO:
Novak Djokovic crushed Marin Cilic 6-0, 6-3 on Friday to move into the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The world number one and top seed took just 65 minutes, winning the first eight games against Croatia’s reigning US Open champion seeded eighth, who is still coming back from months of shoulder problems.
Should he win the title on Sunday, Djokovic would become the first man to lift trophies in the opening three Masters 1000 tournaments of the season after completing the Indian Wells-Miami title double.
“All in all, it was probably the best match I’ve played so far in the tournament,” said Djokovic. “That’s what I want, what I wish for. Obviously the amount of matches that I won this year has helped boost my confidence level, helped me to feel good at this tournament and continue on with good performances.”
Monfils on a roll
Gael Monfils continued into uncharted territory, with the Frenchman slugging Grigor Dimitrov 6-1, 6-3 for a career-first semi-final in the principality where he had never previously been past the third round.
The flamboyant Monfils followed up on his surprise victory against Roger Federer in the previous round while Bulgarian ninth seed Dimitrov came onto the clay as just a shadow of the player who knocked out holder Stan Wawrinka on Thursday with the loss of just three games.
“I’m just very happy,” said Monfils. “For sure I’m surprised because this is not a period where I’ve played my best tennis so far. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be ready physically because I feel a bit tired. But should be fine, I hope.”
Monfils, levelling his career in Monaco to 8-8, will next take on Tomas Berdych, who advanced into the final four as opponent Milos Raonic retired with a right foot injury.
Monfils stands 1-5 against the sixth-seeded Czech, who won his 26th match of the season when Raonic quit.
Sixth seed Berdych, now 2-3 against Raonic, spent just 31 minutes on court against an opponent carrying the existing handicap into the match. “I’m in the semi-final, which is good,” said Berdych. “But of course, it’s not the ideal way that you want to finish the match.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2015.
Novak Djokovic crushed Marin Cilic 6-0, 6-3 on Friday to move into the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The world number one and top seed took just 65 minutes, winning the first eight games against Croatia’s reigning US Open champion seeded eighth, who is still coming back from months of shoulder problems.
Should he win the title on Sunday, Djokovic would become the first man to lift trophies in the opening three Masters 1000 tournaments of the season after completing the Indian Wells-Miami title double.
“All in all, it was probably the best match I’ve played so far in the tournament,” said Djokovic. “That’s what I want, what I wish for. Obviously the amount of matches that I won this year has helped boost my confidence level, helped me to feel good at this tournament and continue on with good performances.”
Monfils on a roll
Gael Monfils continued into uncharted territory, with the Frenchman slugging Grigor Dimitrov 6-1, 6-3 for a career-first semi-final in the principality where he had never previously been past the third round.
The flamboyant Monfils followed up on his surprise victory against Roger Federer in the previous round while Bulgarian ninth seed Dimitrov came onto the clay as just a shadow of the player who knocked out holder Stan Wawrinka on Thursday with the loss of just three games.
“I’m just very happy,” said Monfils. “For sure I’m surprised because this is not a period where I’ve played my best tennis so far. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be ready physically because I feel a bit tired. But should be fine, I hope.”
Monfils, levelling his career in Monaco to 8-8, will next take on Tomas Berdych, who advanced into the final four as opponent Milos Raonic retired with a right foot injury.
Monfils stands 1-5 against the sixth-seeded Czech, who won his 26th match of the season when Raonic quit.
Sixth seed Berdych, now 2-3 against Raonic, spent just 31 minutes on court against an opponent carrying the existing handicap into the match. “I’m in the semi-final, which is good,” said Berdych. “But of course, it’s not the ideal way that you want to finish the match.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2015.