Novak Djokovic Overcomes Musetti Challenge to Reach Monte Carlo Masters Quarterfinals
Monaco, April 13th, 2023 (AP) – World No. 1 Novak Djokovic displayed grit and determination as he booked his spot in the quarterfinals of the prestigious Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday. The two-time champion in Monte Carlo gained revenge over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who had defeated him last year at the same tournament.
Despite appearing sluggish at times and committing several unforced errors, Djokovic raised his game when it mattered most, converting five of his six break point opportunities to clinch a confidence-boosting 7-5, 6-3 victory. The Serb acknowledged the mental hurdle he had to overcome, having lost to Musetti in a similar scenario last year.
“I lost to him last year here. Similar circumstances,” said Djokovic, who is making his first tournament appearance since parting ways with former coach Goran Ivanisevic. “I was a set and 4-2 up and then I lost the break and I must say it was in the back of my mind when I was serving at 4-2, 40-15. I’m really glad to overcome the challenge.”
Second-ranked Italian Jannik Sinner also advanced to the quarterfinals with a solid 6-4, 6-2 win over Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.
Djokovic, who has played limited tennis this year and boasts a 10-3 record with a semifinal run at the Australian Open as his best result, is using the Monte Carlo clay-court event to fine-tune his preparations for the upcoming French Open.
The Serb faced an early hurdle, dropping his serve immediately and struggling to adapt to Musetti’s array of shots. However, a crucial break in the eighth game of the opening set proved to be a turning point, as Djokovic broke after Musetti squandered a 40-0 lead. The world No. 1 then broke again in the 12th game to clinch the set.
Both players grappled with holding their serves in the second set, but Djokovic emerged victorious in the decisive moments. “This is clay, obviously things can turn around very quickly,” Djokovic said. “I’m just glad staying tough and aggressive in the right moments paid off.”
Djokovic, who last won the Monte Carlo title in 2015, will face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, while Sinner will take on Holger Rune.
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