Djokovic Victorious, But Not Fully Fit

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. 

Fognini Silences Berdych 6-4, 6-2

Nadal defeats Kolschrieber 6-2, 6-4

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. 

Federer Impressive So Far

 

Before the tournament started Bleacher Report made the mistake of criminally underestimating Roger Federer.  Their analysis of the draw was that Federer would have too much trouble dealing with the likes of nikolay Davydenko, Bernard Tomic and Milos Raonic early in the draw.  And that would leave him vulberable against Andy Murray in the semifinals, if he even got that far.  They were badly wrong. 

Federer is through to the quarterfinals without dropping a set to any of his first four opponents while also looking incredibly fit.  Tsonga next.  Bleacher Report should be more careful next time. 

Andy Murray def. Gilles Simon

Andy Murray did not play his best tennis against Gilles Simon.  But it was still enough for the number three seed to easily advance 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.