Djokovic Dumped Out Of Monte Carlo By Medvedev; Nadal Unstoppable Now?

by Staff | April 19th, 2019, 10:33 pm
  • 32 Comments

Novak Djokovic suffered his third straight pre-semifinal loss in a Masters on Friday after being stunned by 14th-ranked Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the Monte Carlo quarterfinals.

On a breezy day, the top seed struggled on serve getting broken twice in the opening set and three times in the deciding, and in several cases he was leading big in those games.

“He’s got a very solid backhand. He doesn’t make many mistakes from the backhand. He hits it very low with depth. A windy day like today, conditions are changing every single game. It’s kind of tough to find the rhythm, and he doesn’t give you much rhythm,” Djokovic said. “He improved his movement a lot since last year. He definitely deserves to be where he is.”


Djokovic has failed to reach the semifinals at all three Masters events his season.

The 23-year-old Medvedev collected his first win over a World No. 1 and just second Top 10 victory. He had just two career clay match wins at tour level entering the week.

“It’s definitely the best match of my career. Not in terms of level of tennis, but definitely by the result. [It’s my] first Masters 1000 semi-final, beating No. 1 for the first time in my life,” Medvedev said. “Just amazing.”

Even more amazing is Medvedev’s draw. In his first Masters semi, he’ll face another first time final four participant at this level, the 48th-ranked Dusan Lajovic. Djokovic’s countryman edged qualifier Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5 to reach his biggest career semifinal. And he’s done so without dropping a set.

“Right now it’s a relief and I showed to myself that I could do it. The tournament is still not over but I’m extremely happy and satisfied with the way I’ve played this week,” the 28-year-old Lajovic said. “To be in the semifinals of a Masters, such a strong tournament, it’s really a big boost of confidence and I hope that it’s not the only one for the future.

Medvedev beat Lajovic in their only previous meeting last year indoors in Moscow.

Rafael Nadal kept it rolling, though it was a little tougher than expected in a 7-6(1), 6-3 win over fellow-lefty Guido Pella who held a break lead in the first at 4-1.

“It was a very tough first set physically and mentally, too. Losing the first three games with my serve was tough. But I found a way at the right time,” Nadal said. “I was lucky at 4-1, he had two points to be 5-1 and with 5-1 it’s almost impossible. I was lucky to escape that moment and then I played better… I’m very happy to be through. Being in the semifinals again here means a lot to me.”

The 11-time Monte Carlo champion has won his last 18 matches at the event, and overall 15 straight on clay.

Next for Rafa will be someone who has defeated him on his favorite surface, Fabio Fognini. The Italian, though, should count his lucky stars as he found himself down and out a set and a break to the bad against Borna Coric before rallying for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Fognini won 12 of the last 15 games to deny the Croat.

“I think I was a little bit lucky,” said Fognini, who will face 11-time champion Rafael Nadal in the last four. “I’m happy because I’m playing my second semi-final here. Happy because of course I’ve tried to do my best all week and now it’s time to play with a really good player.”

Nadal leads Fognini 11-3 with all three losses in 2015.

“Everywhere it’s difficult with him. I’ll just try to enjoy this match, try to recover as best I can, eat well, sleep well, play with Federico (son) a little bit before I sleep and tomorrow is another day,” Fognini said. “I’ll try to do my best game. I know that it’s difficult, but I have the game to play against him.”

It’s the 31-year-old Fognini’s third career Masters semifinal, second in Monte Carlo after 2013.

“He’s one of the biggest talents in this sport,” said Nadal of Fognini. “He’s able to win against anybody when he’s playing well and I believe he’s playing well.”

Nadal is the only player of the remaining four to have reached a Masters final.

SATURDAY MONTE CARLO SCHEDULE
COURT RAINIER III start 11:30 am
Robin Haase (NED) / Wesley Koolhof (NED) vs [3] Jamie Murray (GBR) / Bruno Soares (BRA)
Not Before 1:30 pm
[10] Daniil Medvedev (RUS) vs Dusan Lajovic (SRB)
Not Before 3:30 pm
[13] Fabio Fognini (ITA) vs [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Maximo Gonzalez (ARG) / Horacio Zeballos (ARG) vs [7] Nikola Mektic (CRO) / Franko Skugor (CRO)


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32 Comments for Djokovic Dumped Out Of Monte Carlo By Medvedev; Nadal Unstoppable Now?

skeezer Says:

“…almost impossible…”
Lol my fav quote from the Bull.
Fabulous Fog took the first set, is the “unstoppable”….er…..”stoppable”?


Daniel Says:

Damm, missile BH crosscourt winner by Foggy ti open second set breaking Nadal, as he did in 1st set. If he doesn’t have a mental lapse he can win. Still early but Nadal is making many uncharacterisitcs errors, specially when going tor the lines, indicating a little lack of confidence.

Also a lot of uneven kicks on court, both sometimes hitting unbalanced.


Daniel Says:

Wow, Foggy BH is on fire, broke again. 3-0 and serve.

He has now broke Nadal on clay 5 out of 7 service games. Has anybody ever did that in 2 sets against him?! Not even Djoko.


Daniel Says:

4-0.
Huge tense game for Nadal. If he gets broken again risks taking a bagle


jatin Says:

Fogini is absolutely REDLINING. Hitting winners left,right and center from every angle.
I have never seen Rafa so clueless on a clay court.
He is about to get bagled. What is going on.
5-0 in 2nd set


Daniel Says:

Wow, 3 amazing winners firm the backcourt at will. He is zoning right now. 5-0 and will try to close the match serve a baggle


Daniel Says:

Hahahaha.
Foggy 40-0, 3 points to dish a baggle and plays freely, courtesy of Foggy not putting a single 1st serve in and wins 5 straight games to preserve his honor. 1-5.

Nadal now will play like he has nothing to loose, going for the lines and Foggy may feel the nerves.


Daniel Says:

5-2 and Foggy will have another go at making history. Because beating Nadal in MC is always making history


skeezer Says:

you nailed it Daniel, lack of confidence, as his balls throughout the match were landing too short, just past the baseline. Need to go deeper in the court. I cannot believe however, with Rafa on ANY Clay court, he should lack confidence. He now is hitting out beyter though, making a comeback….too little to late?


jatin Says:

Who would have thought we would see Lajovic vs Fogini final in Monti carlo.


skeezer Says:

Fabulous Fog did it. Any victory on Clay against the King is a major upset. Well done!


Daniel Says:

No better way to win than with a FH DTL amazing winner.

Congrats Fognini! One of the best wins of his career, amazing level and exceptional level of winners (21) for a 18 games match against Nadal. Remarkable.

What a start for the clay season: 2 first time Masters finalists, hope Fognini wins the title and 1st Masters now.

Hope more unpredicatbility to come next tourneys.


Giles Says:

ROFL. Hey skeezer tell me why doesn’t your love play MC? Too many bad memories losing to the King? Whatever.


skeezer Says:

Giles,
Quit yer whinin’. He lost. Get over it.


Rohemomona Says:

Wow. The GOAT on clay should have been bagelled in set two. Let’s wait for the ‘injury’. Similar to the one in Miami maybe?


FedExpress Says:

Some said Nadal is back. Some said Nadal will dominate. Some said Nadal is unstoppable.

In your foot.


chrisford1 Says:

Rafa and Uncle Toni both say the only player that Rafa fears is Djokovic -(which probably doesn’t sit well with ‘great friend’ Federer) but Fognini has been a real thorn in Rafa’s side for years! In 2015 he was down 2 sets to Rafa, then got on fire and won the following 3 sets, in an epic. 70 winners..

I hope Fabio gets a Masters title at MC. He deserves one in his career, I think. So talented, so entertaining.


j-kath Says:

And I thought Fabio was on the verge of retiring! Anyways, he’s always been unpredictable (and often brilliant) but given the score-line versus Rafa, he had an easier win than he got in his earlier rounds – so the questions of “form” are surely what went wrong with Rafa?


j-kath Says:

PS: Where are Rafa’s fans these days? Willow visits occasionally but where is Andi-Mira, Okie etc.


skeezer Says:

Congrats Fab Fog. Masters 1000 title, good for him! Nice to see when these guys beat top players and go on and win!
@JS – probably TG, the hub of Rafafanatics.


skeezer Says:

J-Kath
Nice to see you still posting, considering AM’s current times. You must be a real tennis fan! 🎾😀👍


j-kath Says:

Hi Skeezer – Good to hear from you. I enjoy the competitiveness of a number of other players – although I do miss Andy, part of me hopes he never tries to compete again while part of me hopes he does — c’est la vie.


Alison Hodge Says:

Skeezer / J-Kath To be a real tennis fan, doesnt mean you have to spend all day everyday on some crummy forum, FYI i still follow tennis, i just dont spend every spare minute on here or on TG, to be honest i cant stand either site, much rather enjoy tennis from the comfort of my own arm chair, real life more interesting its been lovely weather here, havent even seen any tennis ….

Congrats FF very talented player hope he takes it forward , over and out ….


j-kath Says:

Alison: For me, Tennis X is one of the few forum’s where security is reasonably trustworthy – and admit to be being a bit paranoid on that issue. I also (mostly) enjoy the banter between supporters of various players. Following tennis is simply following the only sport in which I have an interest – apart from 6 Nations Rugby.
Part of my life necessitates back and forth on the computer – so I sigh often and hit sites that interest me – regrettably “BREXIT” and then dash back and forth to tennis which gives me something different. All I can say is vive la difference. PS: What has happened with A-Mira? Is she OK? And Okie?


Alison Hodge Says:

J-Kath Okie is doing fine, i still chat to her on FB, ill tell her you were asking after her, ive no idea about the other lady, as weve severed all contact ….


j-kath Says:

Okie-doke Alison. So you might have a glimpse into my “must-dos” I have to present quarterly figures to HMRC and the pages I’ve been sent re. Brexit make me wonder if I’ve been sent to Hell. I’ve also got a rash/been on steroids- not working/so any moments of relaxation are soooooooooooo good.


Alison Hodge Says:

J-Kath love, hugs and blessings dear friend, i take medication myself which has made me gain weight , all through taking steroids, but an aggressive keep fit routine and eating more healthily has helped me lose 2 stone, regarding the brexit stuff i dont know what to think anymore, countries gone bat-shit-crazy, take care my dear xx


Okiegal Says:

@JK Hey girl….. feels good to be missed by even one TX poster! lol I don’t post much anymore but still read. When I read you had mentioned my name I know it’s proper etiquette to acknowledge, as per being raised by a wonderful Mom who taught me to be proper and kind! I fail at times but do want to say thanks! I hope Andy’s surgery pays off and he’ll be competing soon! I am not gonna whine around about Rafa’s loss yesterday, as TXers don’t like whiners, so I read! Lol Foggi played great and I thought it very fitting for him to win the title because if you’ve beaten the King of Clay you deserve it…… yeppers he played a beautiful awesome match yesterday and my congratulations to the Italian Stallion!
I hope this finds you doing well and adjusting to being alone…. I’m trying but still pretty miserable. Trying to get out more but find it’s so much easier to just stay home!! Take care and thanks again!

VAMOS 💪💪 Still watching and ❤️ing Rafa Tennis!!


j-kath Says:

Okiegal: So there you are! The world tilted when you and other Rafa’s dedicated supporters didn’t appear to encourage him. But yes, The Foggi can bring it on when he is in the mood – in an earlier match his wife warned him to behave himself and blow me away he complied….there’s hope for male-kind yet!

Andy – we’ll see what he decides – but at the moment he appears happier and more relaxed than he has for years….he and Kim are great together – in contrast to emaciated, Novak and his unhappy “other half”.

And personally….perhaps my stubborn, immovable rash is somewhat related to adjusting to loss – ah well, in the fulness of time….hopefully for both of us.

Stay well and get out more.
Hugs, Kath.


Okiegal Says:

J-Kath…….Hugs back and have a great week!!


Alison Hodge Says:

J-Kath my apologies if i came across as been a bit stroppy towards you , hope you and our Andy will both be okay, goddess blessings xx


j-kath Says:

Hey Alison: I have no problem at all — give yourself a hug from me. And when you are at it – another one for Okie from me.

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