Novak DJOKOVIC reaches first Monte-Carlo Masters semi-final since 2015, avenges De Minaur United Cup loss

Novak Djokovic headed into the Monte-Carlo Masters with some doubt to his name after some of his recent losses and also his poor form at times previously in this tournament. But he has shown the tennis world that doubt should be very much at a peril as he edged past Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals.

It also marks another revenge mission complete for Djokovic who lost out to De Minaur at the United Cup at the turn of the year. But this time, he found a way. He is into his 77th Masters 1000 semi-final and his eighth Monte-Carlo Masters semi-final. Ugo Humbert or Casper Ruud await.

Finished in two hours and five minutes, Djokovic had to show real steel and resolve to get through the tie. After both had break chances early on in the clash, it was completely dominant on both wings. Both players didn't hand a chance to the other on serve with barely a point coming from the other side. Albeit Djokovic had a first chance at 5-4 up to seal the first set. He missed the chance for the set and a break. Similarly De Minaur then had a chance at 5-5.

But Djokovic made his chance count eventually. He went 40-15 up on the De Minaur serve. But had to go through three opportunities to seal the deal. Albeit Djokovic started to struggle physically and was lucky to get through the tie. There went from being no breaks to a break fest. Djokovic and De Minaur exchanged six in a row as Djokovic went up 4-3. But again it was another break that decided the match as Djokovic sealed it 6-4. A real close shave complete. He will hope that two in-form players in Ruud and Humbert go long tonight so he can be more fresher tomorrow. But he has escaped in this instance against De Minaur.