Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Andy Murray Through to the Quarterfinals of the Canadian Masters Event
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has struggled to find momentum this season, and he struggled in his win over Frenchman Julien Benneteau at the Rogers Cup in Toronto this Wednesday. Djokovic has been lately suffering from an undisclosed heat ailment which caused him to pull out of events in Serbia and Spain. Under the blistering Toronto sun, the Serb laboured to gain advantage over Benneteau, remarking the heat had almost forced him to retire from the match. After the match, Djokovic vowed he would never hazard his physical well being for victory, saying his health was his main priority.
In the post-match press conference, the Serb insisted he was healthy and well-geared for the tournament. Djokovic said he would not make any excuses for his recent struggles. Rather, he explained, his problems would be difficult for someone outside the professional tennis arena to understand. He made a shaky start to the match, but gradually gained confidence, overcoming his opponent 7-5, 7-5. Djokovic did not specifically blame the heat for the loss of four lost serves to Benneteau, saying he felt much better after breaking a racket in the second set. The Serb said smashing the racket had helped him calm down and focus on the game. Djokovic elaborated that abusing his equipment had never been too much of a problem, saying it always helped him regain composure on the court. Earlier this season, the Serb smashed a racket in every set of a match he eventually won. Djokovic admitted he now has to bear the cost of his equipment after his sponsor subsequently refused to provide him free rackets.
Djokovic said he was an emotionally driven guy who played tennis because he had a lot of passion for the sport. Currently placed second in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) world rankings behind Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal, the Serb had a relatively easier outing against Victor Hanescu of Romania, and now the 2007 Rogers Cup winner cruises to the quarterfinals of this year’s tournament. Djokovic’s opponent, Hanescu, ranked number 54 in the world, remains somewhat of an unknown quantity. The Romanian came into the round of 16 after defeating Peter Polansky in straight sets. However, Djokovic overcame him 6-3, 6-4, aided by the less severe heat and humidity. “It made my life a little bit easier,” said Djokovic after the match.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Andy Murray, after sealing victory over Belgium’s Xavier Malisse 7-5, 6-2 (it took this year’s Australian Open finalist 80 minutes to demolish his opponent to set up a clash with Frenchman Gael Monfils for a quarterfinals spot), defeated his French opponent 6-2, 0-6, 6-3 in the 3rd round. Though it was every bit a challenging encounter, the British No. 1 and Rogers Cup defending champion overcame 15th seeded Monfils with improved footwork, impressive strikes, and great defensive play.
Prevailing Wimbledon and French Open champion Rafael Nadal was made to sweat by Stanislas Wawrinka in the 2nd round before eventually overcoming his opponent 7-6 (14-12), 6-3, and setting up a clash with Kevin Anderson. In the round of 16 encounter, Nadal took out Anderson in straight sets: 6-2, 7-6(6). He held 9 out of 10 service games to conquer his opponent in 1 hour and 42 minutes. The Spaniard, who recently underwent therapy on his knee, has previously won the Canadian Masters trophy in 2005 and 2008. He now faces Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber for a spot in the semifinal. Kohlschreiber defeated Yen-Hsun Lu from Taipei, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 6-0.
Sixth seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko received a shock 6-3, 6-2 defeat at the hands of France’s Jeremy Chardy. Chardy now faces Djokovic in the quarterfinals.
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