Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Monaco

Men’s Quarterfinals: [2] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [13] David Goffin (BEL)

Djokovic has been struggling, everyone knows that; yet, somehow he has managed to fight his way to victory.  Today was not the case.  He came out sluggish and Goffin took full advantage to win the first set easily 6-2.  As expected, Djokovic fought back and took the second set 6-3.  After he went up 4-2 in the third, I thought “okay this is Djokovic’s”; unfortunately I underestimated Goffin’s will to succeed today and he clawed his way back to defeat Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.  He’s into the semifinals with his first victory over his opponent.

The first two quarterfinals were enthralling with numerous twists and turns.  Albert Ramos-Vinolas served for the match in the second set, but was forced to go to a third to win 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2.  Pablo Cuevas was not as fortunate in his match; he served for it in the third set and was unsuccessful.  Lucas Pouille managed to fight off the challenge from Cuevas to win it 6-0, 3-6, 7-5. The first semifinal will feature Ramos-Vinolas versus Lucas Pouille.

Men’s Quarterfinals: [7] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [41] Diego Schwartzman (ARG)

There would be no upset in the last quarterfinal of the day, although it seemed likely after Nadal was broken in the first game of the match.  It still could have been an upset because Schwartzman pushed Nadal in most of his service games and broke Nadal quite a few times (4x).  In fact, Schwartzman was leading in the second, but Nadal elevated his game to break the last two service games on his opponent at love to win it 6-4, 6-4.  Nadal is still on track to win his tenth Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title; however, Goffin may have something to say about that.

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