Exactly a year after a surprising defeat to Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti at the Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic faced off against the same opponent on Thursday night. This time, the world No.1 showcased his resilience and determination, overcoming an early setback to secure a commanding 7-5, 6-3 victory.
Musetti started strong, taking an early lead in the first set and threatening to repeat last year’s upset. However, Djokovic, renowned for his ability to adapt and persevere, found his rhythm at crucial moments. His performance not only avenged his previous loss but also marked his advancement to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
This achievement places Djokovic alongside Rafael Nadal as the only players in the Open era to reach the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters ten times, highlighting his consistent excellence on clay courts.
After the match, Djokovic reflected on his performance, saying, “I don’t think I am still at my top level, but it was a great test today against a very talented player. I lost to him last year here under similar circumstances. When I was serving at 4-2, 40/15 and lost my serve today, I thought, ‘Oh no, hopefully this is not a similar scenario like last year.’ I’m really glad to overcome the challenge and look forward to the next one.”
Djokovic’s victory is a testament to his unwavering dedication and ability to learn from past experiences. As he moves forward in the tournament, fans around the world eagerly anticipate how far he will go in his quest for another title.
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Novak Djokovic achieves new milestone at Monte Carlo Masters
cgtn.com
