Nadal on track, Djokovic out
Rafael Nadal remains on course to retain his Monte Carlo Masters title and won’t have Novak Djokovic standing in his way.
The top-ranked Nadal has beaten big-hitting Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals, clinching victory with a clinical smash at the net.
The 10-time champion next faces fifth-seeded Dominic Thiem, who earlier won 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3 against Djokovic.
Thiem can take confidence from having beaten Nadal twice on clay, including in the quarterfinals of last year’s Rome Masters.
‘‘It’s a way better feeling if you go against him and know that you’ve beaten him already on this surface,’' Thiem said. ‘‘It’s the ultimate challenge to play against him.’'
Djokovic was once Nadal’s nemesis, even on clay. He ended the Spanish player’s 46-match winning run by beating him in the 2013 final, and then won the tournament in 2015.
But the former top-ranked Serb, who has won 12 majors, is searching for form and confidence now.
A day after needing 10 match points to advance, Djokovic didn’t even come close to getting one. Although he says he is finally playing pain-free after two years of struggles with a persistent right elbow injury, he was often on the back foot against Thiem.
He saved one match point against Thiem, but indecision cost him on the second as the ninthseeded Djokovic seemed to change his mind over which shot to play at the net.
Djokovic did save three set points in the first set, and the momentum carried over into the tiebreak. But his backhand let him down after that, with Thiem getting consecutive breaks and holding for the second set when his opponent patted a two-handed backhand into the net.
Still, after so much injury frustration, Djokovic was encouraged about coming through three matches without any relapse.
‘‘I played without pain, which is important,’' he said. ‘‘I’m really happy with the way things are working out right now with the elbow.’'
Djokovic needs to sharpen up, however, and says he will play at the Barcelona Open or Hungarian Open next week.
‘‘I’m lacking matches. That’s why it’s important for me to play, to use every opportunity possible,’' he said. ‘‘I have planned Madrid and Rome after that ... I would like to build my form so I can peak at Roland Garros.’'
Third seed Alexander Zverev beat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 4-6 6-4 while second seed Marin Cilic advanced without hitting a ball after Milos Raonic pulled out through injury.