Novak Djokovic receives shocking news about his grandfather’s death: Tennis News
Number one in men’s tennis, Novak Djokovic, was shocked after hearing the news of his grandfather’s death. However, he decided to play at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Masters 1000 event held on the
clay courts in Monaco.
The Serbian number one decided to play at the Monte Carlo Country Club despite the loss. He is bidding to end Rafael Nadal’s eight year winning streak at this tournament and is eying for his third year-to-date title.
After hearing the news, Djokovic played his third round match against the 16th seed, Alexandr Dolgopolov. He lost the opening set after gifting away his serve twice. However, the Serbian star re-focused in the match and went berserk, ultimately
pulling out the equaliser with a breadstick. He then maintained consistency in his game and sealed the decider with a single break of serve. Djokovic clobbered a better first serve share and overcame the emotional turmoil by formulating a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory
in one hour and 39 minute.
The Monaco resident, Djokovic went on to outmuscle the Dutch number one, Robin Haase, in straight sets to power into the semi-finals. The Serb lost his serve four times but sealed the deal with a 6-4, 6-2 score line in one hour and 17 minutes. He brushed
off only four out of eight breakpoints he came across but cashed in seven out of 12 break opportunities to progress.
The Serbian ace stated after his quarter-final match against the Dutch, "Today was a bit better, but still a lot of emotional ups and downs throughout the match. But look, I'm playing tennis. I'm very satisfied that I was able to compose myself. I got to
the semi-finals, which is big result for me under the circumstances.”
The 24-year-old was really close to his grandfather and was recently quoted that he used to go with him in basement of his house during NATP bombing campaign in Vladimir.
Djokovic commented further on Thursday, “I was very close to him, so it was a big loss for me and all the family. But he's with me, I know that, in spirit. I'm remembering only the nicest memories, and that's what gave me strength to play yesterday and today."
The Belgrade native will square off against the sixth seed, Tomas Berdych, in the final four. Berdych upset the world number four, Andy Murray, in a three set thriller to set-up this clash.
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