There will be no showdown between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo this week.
Djokovic’s campaign in the tournament was ended in three sets by a determined Dominic Thiem on Thursday, who prevailed 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-3. Despite the loss, the 12-time grand slam champion is showing signs that he is returning back towards his best as he continues his comeback from an elbow injury that sidelined him last year. After the match Djokovic also addressed his current coaching situation and partnership with Marian Vajda.
There was no such problem for 10-time champion Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard required 80 minutes to defeat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2. Winning 79% of the points behind his first serve and converting four out of his seven break point opportunities. Nadal will take on Thiem in the next round.
Heading into the quarter-finals of the draw, there are now only two unseeded players left. Richard Gasquet, who defeated Mischa Zverev in straight sets, and Kei Nishikori. Nishikori outlasted Italy’s Andreas Seppi 6-0, 2-6, 6-3.
