2010 PNB Paribas Masters: Defending Champion No More; Serb Novak Djokovic defeated by Local, Michael Llodra
Seeded no. 2 at the 2010 PNB Paribas Masters, defending champion Serbia's Novak Djokovic faced defeat at the hands of Frenchman Michael Llodra in the third round of the tournament. The two remained evenly matched all through the first set which was taken 7-6
by Llodra. Additionally, the professional went on to take the second set 6-2 marking a straight set win over Djokovic.
As they say, old habits die hard, it seemed as though it was all fun and games for Nole as he came onto court wearing a nose and glasses disguise in jest. Llodra successfully won 13 of the last 16 points over the Serb.
Nevertheless, Djoko stated, "Any time I needed a point when it was important, he comes up with a huge serve. He comes up with an incredible first volley or something like that. All credit to him. He stepped in when he needed to, and he deserved to win. "I'll
have a little bit more time off. I really feel that I need a couple of days off to rest, and then perform as best as I can in London," added Novak.
Upon being seeded, Djokovic received a bye into the second round. The Serb was faced by Argentina's Juan Monaco. The Argentinean was beaten 6-4 in the first set and 6-3 in the set to follow.
Meanwhile, Llodra got rid of America's John Isner in the second round match played between the two. Isner lost a disappointing 6-3 in the first and 6-4 in the second set to be sent home.
Unseeded, Michael eliminated Italy's Potito Starace in the first round of his draw. The Frenchman took the first set 6-4 and went on to take the second set 6-1 to advance at the tournament. In addition, Llodra will be opposed by the no. 10 seed, namely Russia's
Nikolay Davydenko in the quarter-finals.
In the year 2009, Djokovic went head to head with Frenchman Gael Monfils in the championship final of the PNB Paribas Masters. The professional initiated the match with a 6-2 win. Monfils however, responded with a 7-5 win in the second set. It was nevertheless,
Djoko who came out victorious, clinching the championship title right after bagging the deciding third set 7-6.
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