Novak Djokovic appeared stiff throughout, but recovered from losing the first set to defeat Juan Monaco 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Having suffered a sprained ankle less than two weeks ago while representing Serbia in Davis Cup against USA, Djokovic's fitness for Monte-Carlo and the rest of the European clay season was left in doubt. Those concerns were confirmed as Djokovic was obviously favoring the injury. Djokovic's typically free-wheeling and creative game turned stiff and deliberate in order to protect his compromised right side.
The question will be if his participation in Monte-Carlo, despite it being a clay court event, will cause the injury to linger into coming months. He may regret playing on an ankle that had not fully healed given the arduous season ahead. Regardless, winning when not at your best requires grit. Djokovic displayed that today in spades.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Murray Dominated by Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2
Andy Murray was dominated by Stanislas Wawrinka in the round of 16 at Monte Carlo.
Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2013
Poundtown Tennis returns for the 2013 season beginning with the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 1000.
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