Evans shocks Djokovic in Monte Carlo
MONTE CARLO: World No.1 Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters in the last 16 yesterday following a 6-4, 7-5 defeat by Britain’s Dan Evans.
Djokovic, the Monte Carlo champion in 2013 and 2015, was broken five times by the 33rd-ranked Evans and suffered his first loss of the year, having won the Australian Open for the ninth time in February.
It was British No.1 Evans’ biggest win of his career.
Evans, who has struggled on clay in recent times, started superbly against the Serb, breaking him in his first two service games.
He was able to wrap up the opening set before Djokovic fought back at the start of the second.
But Evans recovered and held his nerve to wrap up a victory.
Fifth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany also departed the tournament after losing to 11th seed David Goffin of Belgium 6-4, 7-6 (9/7).
Earlier, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece moved safely into the last eight with a comprehensive 6-3, 6-4 win over Cristian Garin of Chile. The Greek star was joined by Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who knocked out
Lucas Pouille of France 6-2, 7-6 (7/2).
NO FANS IN STANDS
Empty stands has been the new normal for tennis since last year due to Covid19 restrictions but Rafael Nadal said he still finds it difficult to maintain his intensity during matches in the absence of fans.
The professional circuit was shut down for several months last year before tournament organisers set up ‘biosecure bubbles’ for players and support staff while keeping fans away from stadiums.
Barring the swing in Australia in
February, tournaments continue to be played in front of a handful of fans at most.
Nadal lost some of his intensity during Wednesday’s 6-1, 6-2 second round win over Argentine Delbonis and the Spaniard was in no doubt the absence of fans took something away from the game.
“It’s difficult to keep going sometimes with the same intensity without the crowd,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion told reporters. “It’s true, personally I miss the crowd. I can’t lie about that. I enjoy much more playing in front of a good crowd than without.”