Top seeded 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 plus Gasquet & Nishikori to Quarter Finals
Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, under summer weather conditions, was an exhilarating day for tennis lovers with the last sixteen in the agenda The six top-seeded players dominated as expected and qualified for the quarter-finals on Friday.
The 8th players that have reached the quarters are assured to receive Euro 117,375 each, while the semifinalists will get Euro 230,830, and the finalists on Sunday will leave with Euro 458,640, and the Finalist Euro 935,385.
The day’s schedule on Court Rainier III started with a 100% German match between Jan-Lennard Struff and Alexander Zverev (3). Struff fought hard but Zeverev managed to close the first set 4-6, but lost 6-4 in the second, and came back in force to win the third 6-4. French Richard Gasquet who won over Mischa Zverev today, will now be opposing his younger brother Alexander Zverev. (Photo: Alexander Zverev, April 19, 2018 @Celina Lafuente de Lavotha)
Novak Djokovic (9) faced Dominic Thiem(5) next in a thrilling confrontation that lasted three sets with young Austrian Thiem claiming victory with his high quality game, so it was all over for the Serb. “Each victory is important but specially this one, facing a player of the caliber of Novak. Now I am in the quarters of a Masters 1000, confronting Nadal, the ultimate player on clay…”, said the Austrian. He will meet the defending champion Rafael (1) in the quarter finals, after the Spaniard had an easy victory against very tall and imposing Russian Karen Khachanov beating him in two straight sets 6-2 6-3, with Rafa not even breaking a sweat.
The last match between Milos Raonic (14) and Marin Cilic(2), did not take place due to retirement from the Canadian, so the top seeded Croatian slided onto the quarter finals without being challenged.
Court des Princes was action packed
There was lots of action on Court des Princes with Belgian David Goffin(6) defeating Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut (11) in two straight sets 6-4 7-5, in spite of her problem in his eye. Goffin said: “I use a lentil on my eye each time I am on the court, if not I take it off to let my eye return to normal.” Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov(4) was really tested by German Philipp Kohlschreiber who won the first set and made Dimitrov sweat, but the Bulgarian found his rythm and won the next two for a result of 4-6 6-3 6-4. The two finalists of the ATP World Tour Dimitrov and Goffin will face each other again !
French Richard Gasquet beat German Mischa Zverev 6-2 7-5, and as we said earlier he will now meet his younger brother Alexander Zverev in the quarters. Gasquet achieved his 500th vitory on the ATP circuit joining a closed club of 45 players who attained this figure, and the first French to sign this performance. Gasquet said after the match: “I feel better and better. The Marrakech tournament was good for me. I love to play and feel the pleasure of the game. I love to return in good form and win matches. Nothing makes me happier than victory.”
Italian Andreas Seppi put a good battle but ended up exiting the tournament, after loosing in three sets to Kei Nishikori0-6 6-2 3-6.
Results for Thursday, April 19, 2018
Program for Friday, April 20, 2018 – Quarter Finals
Boris Becker presented with Hall of Fame Ring
Boris Becker former world No. 1, better known as Boom Boom, made his entry into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003, the highest honor for a tennis player, in recognition for his exceptional career, notably his six Grand Slam victories, an Olympic Title and a Davis Cup win. Today, in the ocassion of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, a ceremony took place on Court Rainier III.
After meeting with H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in his loge, the Baronnes Elizabeth Ann de Massy presented Boris Becker with the official Hall of Fame ring in the presence of Todd Martin, President of the International Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame museum in Newport, USA, was inaugurated in 1954 in the presence of Princess Grace of Monaco. The Hall of Fame rings are each unique pieces and are presented to players who enter the Hall of Fame during tournaments all over the world to commemorate their membership in the sport’s elite and world leaders of this sport. (Photo: Prince Albert II with Boris Becker @Philippe Fitte/Realis SMETT)
Today’s Quote
« When you are young, you want to win a tournament and when you win, and another, you do not realize what you have accomplished. It is only with time that you measure really all of that. Specially when you receive an honor such as the Hall of Fame intronisation. Being recognized by my peers and receiving today on this Rainier III court this magnifique ring is a real honor for me. Thank you very much for this honor. » Boris Becker
Monaco Reporter 