Djokovic, Nadal, Monfils and Berdych advance to semis in Monte-Carlo

There were several little Indians but now there are only four

Czech Tomas Berdych, ranked 8^th/seeded 6th, opened the program on central court this Friday defeating Canadian Milos Raonic, ranked 6^th /seeded 4^th, who retired at 5-2 in the first set due to a right foot injury, staying on court only half an hour. The 19-year-old Czech who measures 1.96m will face French Gael Monfils in the semifinals.

Czech Tomas Berdych @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Bye, bye, Milos Raonic @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Tomas Berdych being interviewed after his victory over Raonic @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Exuberant Gael Monfils, who had entered the tournament with a wild card, when he decided to play at the last minute thanks to recuperating from a hip injury earlier than anticipated, dispatched Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in two straight sets 61 63 in only 58 minutes, after having defeated Federer the day before. “I had fun on the court and really tried to keep my concentration,” said the 18^th ranked winner. The French is on a mission, and next on his path is Berdych!

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Gael Monfils @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

French Gael Monfils @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

World No. 1 Djokovic also reached the semis by winning over Croatian Marin Cilic, ranked 10^th/seeded 8^th, with a 60 63 triumph, in 65 minutes. In doing so he increased his record over Cilic to 12-0. “All in all, it was probably the best match I’ve played so far in the tournament. That’s what I want, what I with for in this moment. Of course, it encourages me before tomorrow’s [Saturday] big challenge,” said the Serb, who will be facing eight-time champion Rafael Nadal for the 43^rd time bidding to get to the final in Monte-Carlo for the fourth time.

Marin Cilic from Croatia Apr.17, 2015 @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Goran Ivanisevic trainer of Marin Cilic @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Novak Djokovic Apr 17, 2015 @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Boris Becker and Marian Vajda in Djokovic’s camp @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Spaniard Rafael Nadal, ranked 5^th/seeded 3^rd, beat countryman David Ferrer, ranked 7^th/seeded 5^th, in three sets in two hours and 45 minutes. Rafa thought he was going to finish the task in two sets, but Ferrer broke him when he was serving for the match at 5-4, and forced him to go for a third set to close the match on his favor. He will now face Djoko on Saturday. “Tomorrow I am not the favorite, that is obvious,” said Nadal. But we know for sure he will fight for every ball and both men will put a fantastic show that will feel more like a final.

The flag from Spain @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Spaniard Rafael Nadal Apr.17, 2015

David Ferrer lost to Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals Apr.17, 2015 @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Results for Friday, April 17, 2015

Singles – Quarter-finals

[1] N. Djokovic (SRB) d [8] M. Cilic (CRO) 60 63
[3] R. Nadal (ESP) d [5] D. Ferrer (ESP) 64 57 62
[6] T. Berdych (CZE) d [4] M. Raonic (CAN) 52 ret. (right foot)
[14] [WC] G. Monfils (FRA) d [9] G. Dimitrov (BUL) 61 63

Doubles – Quarter-finals

[1] B. Bryan (USA) / M. Bryan (USA) d [5] M. Granollers (ESP) / M. Lopez (ESP) 64 26 10-4
[2] I. Dodig (CRO) / M. Melo (BRA) d [7] A. Peya (AUT) / B. Soares (BRA) 63 64
[4] M. Matkowski (POL) / N. Zimonjic (SRB) d [WC] B. Paire (FRA) / S. Wawrinka (SUI) 62 63
S. Bolelli (ITA) / F. Fognini (ITA) d [8] N. Mahut (FRA) / E. Roger-Vasselin (FRA) 76(4) 62

The Great Night of Tennis in images

Friday night was the 23th Great Night of Tennis, a dinner and show, in the presence of Zeljko Franulovic, tournament Director, members of Monaco’s government, and other distinguished guests. The honour guests were Gael Monfils, Thomas Berdych and Rafa Nadal, but they did not stay long as they have to rest to be ready for battle on Saturday semifinals. Francesca Traldi, VP International Marketing and Communications for Faconnable, one of the tournament sponsors, organised a nice table of friends that I had the privilege to join and she even had Fashion TV doing interviews. Like the players I left early and did join the group at Jimmy’z afterwards because I wanted to go home and be able to write this article!