Novak Djokovic determined to take the Monte Carlo crown – Tennis News
Emotionally shoved, yet invincible at the tennis courts; world number one, Novak Djokovic, had the heartbreaking news of his grandfather’s death just hour before his third round match at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. The top seed
Serbian celebrated his victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov on Thursday with tears of sorrow in his eyes, depicting his love for the game and sheer determination to be at the top of the tennis world.
The top ranked Serbian is having another emphatic tennis season this year and came to Monte Carlo with a determination of snatching this coveted clay court title from the seven-time champion, Rafael Nadal of Spain. He had an excellent
beginning in the second round of the draw, disposing of the unseeded Italian, Andreas Seppi, in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
He was to play the 16th seed Ukrainian, Dolgopolov, on Thursday afternoon when he was jolted by the sad news of his 83-year-old grandfather’s demise. Djokovic’s sheer fortitude and commitment didn’t allow him to withdraw
from the tournament and he decided to play his crucial match against the crafty Ukrainian.
Dolgopolov took the early advantage of Djokovic’s distress and bagged the opening set at 6-2 to get one up in the match. The top seed then found his winning groove in the following set and took down his opponent with a breadstick.
He further went on to bag the third set after a stiff battle with the 16th seed opponent, eventually concluding the match in his favour.
The Serbian clearly looked gloomy throughout the contest and was witnessed wiping tears from his eyes after claiming the third round victory. His love and the emotional attachment with his grandfather didn’t come in his way of
achieving his aim to rule the tennis world and the Serbian has made an example for the other professional players.
Djokovic “just felt totally exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally” after his third round win but has secured a berth in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters. He will face off against the unseeded Dutch competitor,
Robin Haase, for a place in the semis. Haase stunned the Brazilian number one, Thomaz Bellucci, 6-2, 6-3, in the third round battle to meet Djokovic.
On the other hand, the defending champion, Nadal, has been cruising through the initial rounds of the tournament with authority. The second ranked Spaniard registered thumping victories over Jarkko Nieminen and Mikhail Kukushkin
in the second and third rounds respectively to reach the semi-finals.
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