MONACO (AP) ― Novak Djokovic played just hours after learning about the death of his grandfather and defeated Alexandr Dolgopolov 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 Thursday to reach the Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals.
After clinching victory on his first match point, the top-ranked Djokovic crouched over with his hands on his knees as Dolgopolov applauded him at the net.
Djokovic then appeared to wipe away tears with his forearm before pointing with both hands to the sky as he stood on center court for a few moments.
Djokovic did not attend the usual post-match news conference, with the ATP saying he was too distressed.
“He lost his grandfather today just before the match, and it was very hard for him to play,” the ATP said in a statement. “After he won, he just felt totally exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally.”
The top-ranked Djokovic seemed preoccupied as he walked onto center court with his head down, and his mind was clearly elsewhere in a brief first set where he missed easy volleys, sent drop shots wide and twice lost his serve to the 16th-seeded Dolgopolov.
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
