Nole will play in his tenth quarter-final on the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Friday.
High seed Novak Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 6-3 within the third spherical, avenging his loss to the Italian in the identical stage of the competitors 12 months in the past.
The world’s top-ranked tennis participant was not at his finest on Thursday, however he did sufficient to triumph. Musetti led by a break within the first set. Nevertheless, the Serbian ace discovered his rhythm and consistency in essential moments to seal the victory.
Novak gained the decisive break within the twelfth recreation of the primary set earlier than he performed with higher depth within the second to advance after one hour and 59 minutes.
“I don’t assume I’m nonetheless at my prime stage but it surely was an excellent take a look at in the present day in opposition to an excellent participant, a really proficient participant,” Djokovic mentioned. “I misplaced to him final 12 months right here, comparable circumstances. I used to be a set and 4-2 up and I need to say it was behind my thoughts after I was serving at 4-2, 40/15 and misplaced my serve in the present day. I assumed, ‘Oh no, hopefully this isn’t comparable situation like final 12 months’. I’m actually glad to beat the problem and sit up for the subsequent one.”
Match statistics: aces (3-1), double faults (2-1), winners (18-18), unforced errors (23-26), complete factors received (72-57).
Novak will subsequent meet eleventh seed Alex de Minaur (H2H 1-1) after the Australian beat his countryman Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic is a two-time titlist on the ATP Masters 1000 occasion (2013, 2015).
The 98-time tour-level champion continues to be looking for his first trophy of the season.
Photograph: Profimedia
