Djokovic downed as shocks continue

World number two Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters as the shocks continued in Monaco.

The Serbian, playing his third match back after an elbow injury, went down to David Goffin, who prevailed 6-2 3-6 7-5 in the quarter-finals.

Defeat for Djokovic means all three of the world’s top-ranked players are out of the competition after surprise losses for Britain’s Andy Murray and Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka on Thursday.

Belgian Goffin, who will meet Rafael Nadal in the last four, had not previously beaten a top-three player.

Djokovic said: “We had a lot of exchanges, a lot of rallies. David is playing very quick. He’s a fast player. I thought I played very, very well for a set and a half, from the start of the second set. I had my chances, I definitely did. I just didn’t use them.”

Former world number one Nadal made fairly light work of his quarterfinal, beating Diego Schwartzman in straight sets.

The Spaniard needed an hour and 40 minutes to complete a 6-4 6-4 victory against the Argentinian world number 41.

Nadal’s compatriot Albert Ramos Vinolas will meet Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the other semi-final after their respective victories over Marin Cilic and Pablo Cuevas.

Ramos Vinolas, who knocked out Andy Murray, upset another higher ranked player as he battled to a 6-2 6-7 (5/7) 6-2 success.

Pouille also needed three sets to progress, eventually overcoming Uruguayan Cuevas 6-0 3-6 7-5.