Novak Djokovic thrashes Roman Safiullin in Monte Carlo despite coach saga (2024)

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Novak Djokovic cruised through his opening match in Monte Carlo.

By Yasmin Syed

Novak Djokovic made a statement in his first match since splitting with his long-time coach as he obliterated Roman Safiullin at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The world No. 1 was competing for the first time in four weeks but it was like he never left as he cruised through 6-1 6-2 in 70 minutes.

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There were plenty of question marks surrounding Djokovic ahead of the Monte-Carlo Masters. The Serb hadn’t competed since he was stunned by lucky loser Luca Nardi in the third round of Indian Wells exactly four weeks ago. The tournament also marked Djokovic’s first since his sudden split with Goran Ivanisevic.

The 24-time Major winner announced their decision to part ways two weeks ago and has not hired a replacement coach, though he was spotted training with Nenad Zimonjic who joined him in Monaco and was in his box for his opening match. But Djokovic showed that he didn’t need an official coach to get back to winning ways in Monte Carlo.

Djokovic stormed into a 4-0 lead against Safiullin before the world No. 41 finally managed to snap his streak, saving three break points to get on the board. But the top seed proved relentless and quickly closed out the first set in just over half an hour, dropping only three points on serve.

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Safiullin handled the pressure better in the second set as he saved two break points in the second game but Djokovic was still too much for the Russian and pounced to take a 3-1 lead. Safiullin dug himself out of a 0-40 hold in the sixth game of the set but the world No. 1 managed to get one more break in the final game of the match, wasting no time as he booked his spot in the third round.

Djokovic will now face either Lorenzo Musetti or Arthur Fils. Musetti defeated him at the same stage of the tournament 12 months ago and the two-time Monte Carlo champion will be eager to get revenge. Despite his fast start against Safiullin, Djokovic knows that he has work to do if he wants to improve on last year's result.

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Novak Djokovic thrashes Roman Safiullin in Monte Carlo despite coach saga (5)

Novak Djokovic recently split with Goran Ivanisevic (Image: Getty)

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"I’m very pleased. I think even the games that I lost, I had break points in those games so you know, really good first match [and] start of the clay season that always has been for me a little bit up and down," he said after the match. "Last year as well I started off well in this tournament and then second match I lost so I hope to maintain this rhythm."

While Djokovic has enjoyed success in Monaco - winning the title twice and reaching two other finals - he has not been beyond the third round since 2019. He has also not reached the final of any tournaments he has played so far this season.

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Novak Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic thrashes Roman Safiullin in Monte Carlo despite coach saga (2024)

FAQs

Novak Djokovic thrashes Roman Safiullin in Monte Carlo despite coach saga? ›

Novak Djokovic eased his way into the Monte-Carlo Masters third round with an emphatic 6-1 6-2 victory over Roman Safiullin. The 23-time Grand Slam winner concluded the match with little fuss in little more than an hour to set up a clash with either Lorenzo Musetti or Arthur Fils, who are in action later on Tuesday.

How many times has Djokovic won Monte Carlo? ›

Djokovic is a two-time champion in Monte-Carlo, having won titles in 2013 and 2015. While he has failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals in seven appearances since 2015, the 36-year-old enjoys playing at the event. “I always love playing in Monte-Carlo. It has been a residence of mine for many years.

When did Novak Djokovic move to Monaco? ›

Jelena is a director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation. Children: Stefan and Tara. Winner of 24 Grand Slam singles tournaments Novak has long been a resident of the Principality. This Serbian tennis player moved here in 2000.

Who is Novaks' manager? ›

So who are Edoardo and Elena? Edoardo Artaldi (known as 'Dodo') and his partner Elena Cappellaro are none other than Djokovic's two Italian managers.

Is Monte Carlo mandatory? ›

Beginning in 2009, Monte Carlo became the only Masters tournament not to have a mandatory player commitment. Rafael Nadal won the title eight consecutive times between 2005 and 2012, making him the only tennis player to win eight consecutive titles at the same tournament.

How many tennis courts are there at Monte Carlo? ›

The Monte-Carlo Country Club is an iconic tennis club affiliated with the Monégasque and French Tennis Federations with over 2,200 members. Over more than 3 hectares, 21 clay courts including 2 covered and 19 lit courts as well as 2 hard courts are harmoniously arranged in tiers facing the sea.

How does Monaco make money if there are no taxes? ›

Major revenue sources include postage stamp sales, liquor and tobacco taxes, and registration fees. The state does not collect income or direct personal or corporate taxes.

Is Monte Carlo a tax haven? ›

Key Takeaways. Monaco is considered a tax haven because of its favorable tax laws and policies. To become a resident in Monaco, you must show proof of accommodation and sufficient financial resources. Monaco does not collect personal income tax or capital gains taxes.

Is Novak Djokovic vegan? ›

Djokovic has said that he avoids animal foods, but he has previously distanced himself from the term 'vegan', as he believes many people are guilty of misinterpreting the word. In a 2022 interview, Djokovic stated that he cut out animal products after suffering from allergies since he was a child.

How wealthy is Novak Djokovic? ›

2021 The World's Highest-Paid Athletes Earnings

He narrowly missed a calendar-year Grand Slam with a loss in the 2021 U.S. Open final. His $153 million in career prize money as of September is the most ever.

How many children does Djokovic have? ›

The tennis star is a father of two children, son Stefan Djokovic and daughter Tara Djokovic, who he shares with wife Jelena. The couple, who were high school sweethearts, got married in 2014, and welcomed their son Stefan in October that year. Their daughter Tara was born in September 2017.

Who's in Djokovic's box? ›

His parents, Srdjan and Dijana Djokovic

While his parents are not always present, they typically are in the stands during his Grand Slam finals, including at the French Open and Wimbledon this year.

How many titles has Novak Djokovic won? ›

Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles, including a record ten Australian Open titles. Overall, he has won 98 singles titles, including a record 71 Big Titles: 24 majors, a record 40 Masters, and a record seven ATP Finals.

How many titles has Nadal won? ›

Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam men's singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles. He has won 92 ATP-level singles titles, including 36 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal, with 63 of these on clay courts. Nadal is one of only two men to complete the Career Golden Slam in singles.

How many Masters 1000 has Nadal won? ›

Nadal has won 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles, four behind Djokovic's 40, and reached 53 finals, a joint record of 76 semi-finals (tied with Djokovic), and a record 99 quarter-finals.

How many grand slams has Andy Murray won? ›

Murray has won 46 singles titles, including three Grand Slams (US Open and Wimbledon twice), 14 Masters 1000 series, two Olympic Gold Medals, and a title at the ATP Finals.

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