Highlights of some of the battles
Tuesday, April 16 was cloudy but no rain in the horizon at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, with plenty of action in all five courts. As it is the tradition, on Tuesday morning the tournament umpires, linemen and women were reunited on court Rainier III for a memorable photo.
The first match saw Frenchman Jo Wilfried Tsonga retiring after less than an hour on the court due to a back problem. His adversary American Taylor Fritz ATP 65thwas on his Monte-Carlo debut and believe me he will not have the same luck when he faces Argentine Diego Schwartzman on Wednesday.
As predicted, German Philipp Kohlschreiber proved to be a very tough opponent for World No. 1 Novak Djokovic who debuted on Central Court today. The Serbian was driven to desperation (destroying a racket!) by a highly focused contender, but managed to win in the third set to advance to the next round, and is determined to up his game in order to go further. He will be facing either Argentine Diego Schwartzman or American Taylor Fritz who play on Wednesday.
“In a way it’s good I got to spend two-and-a-half hours on the court in my first opening match in the clay court season,” said Djokovic. “This surface is very demanding physically.” (Photo: Novak Djokovic,16/04/19 @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha)
ATP 36thSwiss Stan Wawrinka was ousted by Italian Marco Cecchinatoranked ATP 16th in three sets. Cecchinato will meet Argentine Guido Pella, ATP 34th, who played his best tennis and stunned ATP 11thCroatian Marin Cilic in three sets, who was the favorite. The 28-year old lefty Pella was very emotional when interviewed by Marc Maury after the match, saying it was his first time on Central Court in Monte-Carlo, and thanked the public for their support. Pella seemed to have enough energy when he then proceeded to join his doubles partner Hungarian Marton Fucsovics winning in two straight sets against the Fognini-Berrettini Italian duo.
Another Italian 23-year-old Lorenzo Sonego passed to the third round after defeating ATP No.12, 22-year-old Russian Karen Khachanovin two straight sets. He will be meeting either British Cameron Norrie or Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in the third round.
Singles Results – Tuesday, April 16
Doubles Results – Tuesday, April 16
Program for Wednesday, April 17
Photographer’s Contest Prize Ceremony
As it is the tradition every year, Tuesday morning there were no photographers to be found on the courts, as they all gathered in the VIP Village for the Prize Ceremony of the photo contest organized by Alain Manigley. The best photos from each participating professional photographer accredited to the tournament are selected and compiled by Alain into the “Best of Collectors” booklet that immortalizes each new edition of the Rolex Masters Monte-Carlo. Proud to announce that Monaco Reporter’s photographer has received a prize several years in a row. (Photo: Accredited photographers participating in the contest @ZEL)
Today’s Quote
“Tennis is a mental game. Everyone is fit, everyone hits great forehands and backhands.”Novak Djokovic
Monaco Reporter 