World No.1 Novak Djokovic endured a frustrating start to his 2019 clay-court season after overcoming an injury scare to see off Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The two-time champion had to dig deep in what was a roller coaster match with nine breaks of serves. Djokovic was statistically by far the stronger of the two on the court, but lacked his usual consistency and rhythm in his shot-making. Prompting him to make glares towards his camp in the crowd. On top of that, he was forced to halt proceedings to undergo treatment on his right hand before resuming play during the match.
“He (Kohlschreiber) was as close to the win as what I was and if he would have won it wouldn’t have been undeserved. He was playing well.” Djokovic said during a post-match interview with Amazon Prime.
“I thought in some places that we were making a lot of unforced errors. It was not the prettiest of matches, but at the same time a win is a win. “
The clash in Monte Carlo provided Djokovic with the opportunity to get revenge over his German rival. Just over a month ago on the hard courts of Indian Wells, the world No.1 was stunned by Kohlschreiber in straight sets. However, this time round it was Djokovic, who prevailed amid the signs of rustiness in his play. Hitting 30 winners to 38 unforced errors.
During the opening set, it was as much about survival than anything else for Djokovic. Playing his first match of the clay in 2019, the top seed was tentative at moments to give Kohlschreiber chances. However, the world No.40 failed to convert four break points after missing some seemingly easy shots. In contrast, Djokovic was able to seize his opportunity. Leading 4-3, a Kohlschreiber forehand into the net allowed him to break for 5-3. Tasked with serving the set out, Djokovic triumphed with a love service game that concluded with a winning forehand volley at the net.
Besides who he was playing on the court, Djokovic also encountered a physical blip. Five games into the second set, he took a medical time-out for the thumb on his right playing hand. Although the 31-year-old was reluctant to show the on-court cameraman as he tried to shield the treatment he received with a towel. In one video replay, Djokovic was seen landing on his thumb awkwardly as he went to hit a shot.
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The thumb issue added a new dimension to the match. Djokovic’s frustration soon reached its boiling point during a lacklustre second frame. Highlighted by seven straight breaks of serve. A backhand volley from the Serbian landed out to put him behind 2-4. Triggering Djokovic to smash his racket on the floor three times before receiving a code violation. His mood deteriorated further when Kohlschreiber held his nerve to take proceedings into a final set with the help of another mistake from the reigning Australian Open champion.
Avoiding a shock loss to Kohlschreiber for a second month in a row, Djokovic battled towards the finish line. It was by no means in a manner he would have desired, but it was a victory nonetheless. Prompting a huge sigh of relief from him and his team.
“It was a rusty first match on the clay this season for me.” Djokovic admits. “I kind of expected that, this surface is completely different from anything else. It is very demanding.’
“I’ve put a lot of hours on the practice courts, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to feel comfortable when in the match.” He added.
Claiming his 850th win on the ATP Tour, Djokovic faces either Diego Schwartzman or Taylor Fritz next. Schwartzman defeated 17th seed Kyle Edmund in his opening match and Fritz progressed after opponent Jo Wilfried-Tsonga retired injured.
