Top-seeded Novak Djokovic declared that he was “feeling great” as he defeated Roman Safiullin in straight sets at the Monte Carlo Masters. His recent success follows the withdrawal of third seed Carlos Alcaraz from the competition due to an injury. Djokovic defeated the Russian player with a record of 6-1, 6-2 on the main Rainier III court, displaying his dominating nature after earning a bye in the opening round.
Djokovic admitted: “My feeling was great… I think… it’s been one of the best performances I had here in quite a few years.”
For Djokovic, he declared that the competition, the Monte Carlo Masters, has been a struggle for him. He declared: “Monte Carlo is the first big tournament of the clay court season. You know, I haven’t been able the last six, seven years to start strong and start well. I’ve always kind of struggled in this tournament.”
Djokovic at Monte Carlo
Despite his challenges, he still managed to break Roger Federer’s record to become the oldest world no. 1 in ATP rankings history when he took the court in Monte Carlo.
“It is nice, it is great,” he expressed.
In other news, Alcaraz announced that he was leaving Monte Carlo due to his right forearm injury failing to heal.
“I have been working in Monte Carlo and trying to recover until the last minute from an injured pronator teres (muscle) in my right arm, but it was not possible and I cannot play,” Alcaraz wrote on social media.
He was expected to go straight into the second round against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Italian Lorenzo Sonego, who was drafted in as a lucky loser, will take his position in the draw.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: ABS-CBN
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