ATP Monte Carlo: Kohlschreiber delivers Djokovic big fight
Philipp Kohlschreiber left the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo. Despite many opportunities, Novak Djokovic lost the German number two with 3: 6, 6: 4 and 4: 6 after 2:35 hours of play.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Apr 16, 2019, 06:04 pm
It may have been only the fifth game of the match - but the ball that Philipp Kohlschreiber put out at a score of 2: 2 and 30:40 on an already beaten server Novak Djokovic ultimately set the direction. Because even a few moments later, the German failed to use two break chances. Instead, it was the industry leader who coolly won the 5: 3 and served it out to keep records.
Kohlschreiber offered Djokovic a mix of high topspin and deep slice balls, just like in Indian Wells, the Serb had to nibble at the beginning in cold temperatures in Monte Carlo. As the match continued, Djokovic became safer, with the German a little impatience crept into the game. Still, it was Kohlschreiber who made the first break in set two - after Djokovic put a backhand volley out. The racket of the world number one had to pay for it.
Djokovic struck back immediately, but Kohlschreiber presented again with Break. And after 100 minutes of play had a set ball - which the native of Augsburg awarded with a double mistake. But the Serb made a weakness on his own serve again, Kohlschreiber turned a 0:30 back into the game and thus set win.
The decision Novak Djokovic started with a break - to zero. And fended off three chances of Kohlschreiber for immediate compensation. In the eighth game Kohlschreiber worked out another break chance, Djokovic the number one held against. After 2:26 hours the Serb put a backhand on the line, got matchball number one. Philipp Kohlschreiber didn't want to say goodbye that quickly either. Novak Djokovic had to serve - and had to make several debits after Kohlschreiber was able to fend off two more match balls. However, Djokovic took advantage of the fifth chance - and in the third round played against the winner of the game between Diego Schwartzman and Taylor Fritz.
After the match in an interview with Sky, Kohlschreiber said that a couple of break chances that were given will probably still haunt him in his dreams. However, it was difficult for both players to get their serve under the given conditions.