Novak Djokovic has secured a spot in the semifinals at the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time since 2015. The top-ranked Serb defeated Alex De Minaur with a 7-5, 6-4 victory on Friday. Djokovic expressed his happiness at reaching the semis after a long gap, highlighting the challenges he faced in maintaining consecutive wins over the past years.
Despite facing difficulties with consistency during the match, Djokovic managed to break De Minaur five times, advancing to a record-breaking 77th Masters 1000 semifinal. At 36, Djokovic becomes the oldest semifinalist in the tournament's Open era.
Reflecting on the match, Djokovic acknowledged the tough conditions on the clay court, emphasizing the physical demands of the surface and the extended rallies. He mentioned that both players struggled with unforced errors and breaks of serve, but he was content with the win and viewed it as a valuable experience ahead of the French Open.
In the upcoming semifinal, Djokovic will face either Ugo Humbert or Casper Ruud for a chance to compete in the final.
Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas Secure Semifinal Spots
Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner overcame a resilient Holger Rune to reach the semifinals for the second consecutive year. Sinner's victory sets up a semifinal clash with two-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, who advanced by defeating Karen Khachanov.
Sinner faced a tough challenge from Rune, who saved two match points in the second-set tiebreaker before Sinner sealed a 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3 win. Tsitsipas, on the other hand, delivered a dominant performance against Khachanov, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Reflecting on his successful run at the tournament, Tsitsipas expressed his satisfaction with his performance and the positive memories associated with the event. He highlighted his strong record at the Country Club, where he has claimed consecutive titles in recent years.
The upcoming semifinal matchups promise exciting tennis action as Djokovic, Sinner, Tsitsipas, and their opponents vie for a spot in the Monte Carlo Masters final.
