ATP Monte Carlo: Philipp Kohlschreiber - Early reunion with Novak Djokovic
Philipp Kohlschreiber has to compete against world number one Novak Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo. The match (third game after 11 a.m.) is live on Sky.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Apr 15, 2019, 08:19 pm
When Philipp Kohlschreiber arrived in Indian Wells as a surprise guest at a press conference in Munich a few days after his coup against Novak Djokovic, the native of Augsburg still had a smile on his face when he thought of his second victory in the tenth duel with the Serb. The tactic - a lot of changes in speed and tempo - worked perfectly, just like the success against Alexander Zverev at the 2018 US Open.
However, the restricted Kohlschreiber of course, Djokovic had certainly not got his very best day. Free. Even if the industry leader weakens a little - not every player, like Philipp Kohlschreiber, has the means to take advantage of these opportunities.
Djokovic can take the lead in the race
The fact that Djokovic left Miami very early against Roberto Bautista Agut shouldn't hide the true balance of power in men's tennis: The 31-year-old from Belgrade still tops the ATP charts, could take the lead in Roger's Race to London Federer take over. As in previous years, the Swiss refrained from competing in Monte Carlo.
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Djokovic, however, does not see himself as the very first contender for the title in Monte Carlo - Rafael Nadal would have to bear this burden, after all, it was played on clay. The Spaniard may start his attack on the twelfth triumph in the principality against the same Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday.
Kohlschreiber in Marrakech with problems
In any case, Philipp Kohlschreiber was able to convince in his opening win against Taro Daniel, a 6: 1 and 6: 3 in just 67 minutes. Unlike last week in Marrakech, where the end in round two came against Pablo Andujar. But Philipp Kohlschreiber also revealed that at that press conference in Munich: he would like it best if he acted every second week in top form. Since this was not the case in Marrakech, it would have to succeed in Monte Carlo and then in Munich.