Novak Djokovic regarded sluggish at occasions and hit a number of unforced errors however raised his recreation on necessary factors to advance to the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday.
The highest-ranked Serb, a two-time Monte Carlo champion, gained revenge over Lorenzo Musetti, who beat him final yr on the Nation Membership within the third spherical. Djokovic transformed 5 of six break factors and progressed with a confidence-boosting 7-5, 6-3 win.
“The problem as we speak was actually powerful. I misplaced in opposition to him final yr on the identical stage of the match, so I’m glad I actually discovered some solidity,” stated Djokovic, who’s enjoying in his first match since parting methods with former coach Goran Ivanisevic.
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Djokovic has not performed a lot this yr and is 10-3 together with his greatest outcome a semifinal run on the Australian Open. He’s utilizing the Monte Carlo clay-court match to fine-tune his preparations for the French Open subsequent month.
Djokovic dropped his serve instantly and struggled to adapt to Musetti’s number of pictures. The Italian produced some nice drop pictures, was stable from the baseline and his one-handed backhands put Djokovic on the again foot.
A turning level got here within the eighth recreation when Djokovic broke after Musetti blew a 40-0 lead. The Serb broke once more within the twelfth recreation after Musetti hit a double-fault to drop the set.
Each gamers struggled to carry their serves within the second set however Djokovic got here out on high within the decisive factors.
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Djokovic received the title in Monte Carlo in 2013 and 2015. He has not superior previous the quarterfinals since his final victory on the Nation Membership 9 years in the past.
His subsequent opponent might be Alex de Minaur, who beat Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-4.