ATP Monte Carlo: Novak Djokovic defeats Lorenzo Musetti after a break with the audience – Struff

Thus the Serbian achieved revenge for last year's place. Then, Djokovic failed to qualify for the round of 16 against the Italian.

However, the world number one did not look quite fit and appeared to have physical problems, especially in the second set.

There was also an interlude with the crowd at Rainier III Stadium in the first set. Djokovic saw a point from Musetti out of bounds and shared his frustration with the decision with the chair umpire. This was met with boos from the crowd.

Djokovic played the game, grinning broadly and orchestrating whistles like a conductor. But it was precisely from this scene that the 36-year-old drew energy.

“It was a simple exchange of blows with the crowd at 4:3 and 40:0 for him in the first set and from then on it gained momentum,” Djokovic said in a later interview with the winner when asked how he managed to turn the first set around. Tide in the first group.

The 36-year-old is still finding words of praise for his opponent.

“He lost focus a little bit. He was the better player in those first seven matches, played great tennis. He played really good balls and helped me progress.”

In the quarter-finals, Djokovic will now face Australian Alex de Minaur, who beat his compatriot Alexei Popyrin 6:3, 6:4.

Jan-Lennard Struff was the last German professional who had to give up. Warsteiner lost to Jannik Sinner, who has been outstanding this season, 4:6, 2:6.

“I can be proud of myself. I'm very happy to be in the next round. The serves were decisive today. It was a completely different match than in that match,” the Italian said in his on-court interview after his win. round before.”

In the round of 16, Sinner defeated American Sebastian Korda. In the quarter-finals, the 22-year-old will face Holger Röhn. The Dane defeated Grigor Dimitrov 7:6, 3:6, 7:6.

Casper Ruud also reached the quarterfinals, defeating Robert Hurkacz (6:4, 6:2) on Thursday night. The Norwegian will meet Ugo Humbert there on Friday. The Frenchman defeated Italian Lorenzo Sonego 5:7, 6:3, 6:1 in the round of 16.