Djokovic Cruises, de Minaur Dominates in Monte Carlo Tennis

Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked tennis player, showcased his prowess at the Monte Carlo Masters, securing a decisive victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin with scores of 6-1 and 6-2, advancing to the third round on the tournament’s rain-interrupted third day, April 9. Having opted out of the Miami Open to manage his playing schedule, Djokovic demonstrated his readiness, breaking Safiullin’s serve three times in the first set and achieving another two breaks in the second to clinch the match.

In another match, 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland overcame Britain’s Jack Draper in a tight contest, ending with scores of 6-4, 3-6, and 7-6(2). Hurkacz, repeating his last year’s win against Draper at the same tournament, is set to play against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round.

Australian player Alex de Minaur also made a significant impact, defeating former champion Stan Wawrinka with a straightforward 6-3, 6-0 win, moving on to the second round. Wawrinka, who claimed the championship in 2014, couldn’t keep pace with the 11th-seeded de Minaur, especially in the second set, which de Minaur wrapped up in just 24 minutes. De Minaur’s next match will be against the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor.