Novak Djokovic has made history at the Monte Carlo Masters, advancing to the semi-finals for the first time in nine years after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Australia’s 11th seed Alex de Minaur on Friday.
The Serbian top seed, who is approaching his 37th birthday, became the oldest semi-finalist in the tournament’s history since 1968. With this achievement, he surpasses Spain’s Rafael Nadal to set a new record with his 77th Masters 1000 semi-final appearance.
Expressing his joy, Djokovic said, “I’m very happy to be back in the semis, it’s been a while. I love this tournament… another semis, look forward to it.”
Djokovic will face Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud in the semi-finals, following Ruud’s victory over France’s Ugo Humbert.
In other matches, Italy’s rising star Jannik Sinner secured his place in the semi-finals by defeating Denmark’s Holger Rune 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3. Sinner continues his impressive form, setting up an exciting next round.
Reference(s):
Monte Carlo: Djokovic into record 77th Masters semi, Sinner strolls on
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