Today’s Men’s News (4/20) – Monte Carlo

Written by: Staff on 19th April 2013

Today's Men's News (4/20) - Monte Carlo

epa03669077 Jarkko Nieminen of Finland returns the ball to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during his quarter final match at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 19 April 2013. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER |

Monte Carlo

Singles – Quarterfinal: (1) N Djokovic def. J Nieminen 6-4 6-3

This was another relatively slow start for Novak Djokovic — but only relatively. This time, he needed only about eight games to take charge. At this rate, he should be close to fit for the next round. Which presumably will spell a final, since he faces an unseeded opponent next. He leaves Jarkko Nieminen at #44.

Singles – Quarterfinal: (3) R Nadal def. G Dimitrov 6-2 2-6 6-4

Another impressive result for Grigor Dimitrov, but no one — at least, no one now active — beats Rafael Nadal at Monte Carlo…. Dimitrov ends up just shy of the Top 25 — and looking like he will be climbing still more in future.

Singles – Quarterfinal: (6) J Tsonga def. (13) S Wawrinka 2-6 6-3 6-4

This should have been a big chance for Stanislas Wawrinka. Instead, it was two hours and ten minutes of disappointment…. He will not rise above #17.

Singles – Quarterfinal: F Fognini def. (7) R Gasquet 7-6(7-0) 6-2

Big events continue to bring big disappointments for Richard Gasquet. He loses his chance to rise above #9 or to become the #1 Frenchman. Fabio Fognini, who is having the event of his life, will be hitting the Top 25.

Doubles – Quarterfinal: (1) Bryan/Bryan def. Melzer/Paes 4-6 6-3 10-5

We still aren’t seeing any signs of a team capable of contending against the Bryans this year…

Doubles – Quarterfinal: Benneteau/Zimonjic def. (4) Qureshi/Rojer 6-2 7-5

…although Benneteau/Zimonjic look like “keepers” so far.

Doubles – Quarterfinal: Marrero/Verdasco def. (5) Mirnyi/Tecau 6-4 6-2

Strange that Fernando Verdasco can do so well in doubles and yet is a wreck in singles. To be sure, Mirnyi/Tecau haven’t been particularly impressive as a team so far.