Nishikori, Djokovic, Nadal & Cilic ready for round of 16
“I apologize to my readers for publishing this report later than usual, but our internet service was disconnected by our supplier due to a mistake on their part and the problem was only solved now.” Celina Lafuente de Lavotha
On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, the action on court Rainier III began with the match between Daniil Medvedev and Kei Nishikori who had not competed in Monte-Carlo since 2012. (Photo: Kei Nishikori @Celina Lafuente de Lavotha) The Japanese took a while to get into the match but was able to close a difficult first set and ended up winning in two 7-5, 6-2.
Nishikori said after the match: “He was better than me initially, but I tried to stay calm and began to dominate from the baseline.” Nishikori will be next meeting Italian Qualifier Andreas Seppi who beat Spaniard Guillermo Garcia Lopez in a tough and exciting three setter 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.
Serbian Novak Djokovic(9) overcame a very difficult match but managed to defeat Croatian Borna Coric in two very tight sets 7-6 (2) 7-5, where the Serb had 9 failed match points, but ended up succeeding on the 10thto finally win and qualify for the third round where he will be facing no other than Austrian Dominic Thiem (5). The road will only get tougher for Nole!
The third match was highly anticipated with the debut of World No. 1Rafael Nadalwho had an easy day at the office defeating Slovenia’s Alijaz Bedene (ATP 58) in two straight sets 6-1, 6-3. Rafa’s fans were cheering loudly and branding encouraging messages for their one anan only hero! The Spaniard, who is after a record 31stATP Masters 1000 title, will be facing 31-year-old Russian Karen Khachanov in the round of 16. Rafa said: “It’s going to be a very tough one against the 31-year-old. I am going to need to play a very high intensive and a high level of tennis if I want to succeed.”
The last match of the day went into the early evening, with second seeded Croatian Marin Cilicbeating Spanish Fernando Verdasco in an exhilarating battle, where Cilic had to fight hard for his 6-3, 7-6(4) victory, to set up a clash with Canadian Milos Raonic (14) who in turn put a stop to Italian qualifier Marco Cecchinato in two straight sets 7-6, 6-2. (Photo below: Marin Cilic, April 18, 2018 @Celina Lafuente de Lavotha)
Results for Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Today’s Quote
“Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquility.” Billie Jean King
Monaco Reporter 