Novak Djokovic defeated Alex de Minaur in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-final to progress to his 77th ATP Masters 1000 semi-final, breaking Rafael Nadal’s record. Djokovic, the world No. 1, will face Casper Ruud in the semi-final, marking his first semi-final in Monte Carlo since 2015. Djokovic praised De Minaur’s quick play and ability to get many balls back during their match, acknowledging the tough battle they had on the court. Despite making unforced errors, Djokovic was pleased to come out with a win and expressed his love for the tournament and club.
The first set between Djokovic and De Minaur was tightly contested, with both players holding serve until the Serbian clinched the set. De Minaur showed resilience in the match but eventually lost his range, allowing Djokovic to take the lead. The second set saw multiple breaks of serve, keeping the match unpredictable. Djokovic faced a challenge from De Minaur but ultimately secured the victory, advancing to the semi-finals with a straight-set win. Djokovic’s experience and determination helped him overcome the obstacles presented by De Minaur.
In another quarter-final match, Casper Ruud defeated Ugo Humbert to secure his spot in the semi-finals against Djokovic. Ruud initially dominated the match, winning the first set convincingly. However, Humbert fought back in the second set, taking advantage of Ruud’s unforced errors to force a decisive third set. Ultimately, Ruud regained control in the final set, securing the win and setting up a showdown with Djokovic in the semi-finals. Ruud acknowledged the challenge of facing Djokovic but expressed excitement for the opportunity to compete against him in a David vs. Goliath matchup.
Ruud reflected on Djokovic’s success in ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, recognizing the world No. 1’s impressive record in such events. Djokovic’s achievement of reaching his 77th Masters 1000 semi-final highlights his dominance in the sport. As Ruud prepares to face Djokovic, he aims to put up a strong performance and enjoy the experience of competing against one of the best players in the world. The upcoming semi-final clash between Djokovic and Ruud promises to be an exciting match, with both players eager to showcase their skills on the court. Fans can watch the match live and on-demand on discovery+ during the 2024 French Open.
