Djokovic extended his win streak to 18 matches as he moved past Gael Monfils at the Madrid Masters 1000 in a clean two-set victory, 6-3, 6-2. The top seed impressed with relentless consistency and precise ball striking, bolstering his early-season dominance.
The 2019 Madrid debut saw Djokovic begin with a balanced exchange against Monfils, then seize control as the match progressed. He weathered a tense start that included a few shaky moments on serve, but after saving three breakpoints, he settled in and dictated the rhythm from the baseline. The rain delay briefly interrupted play as the roof of the Caja Mágica was closed, yet Djokovic remained unfazed and steadily built the lead.
Rain delay, break points, roof closed, and then calm focus.
Djokovic looked untouchable in the first set, sealing it 6-3 against Monfils at Santana Stadium. The Madrid Open social channels captured the moment, highlighting the Serbian’s momentum as he carried it into the second set.
Monfils struggled to impose any sustained pressure, failing to connect on several sequences and tallying more errors than winners. Djokovic kept the pressure high, pushing the tempo and closing out the match in 1 hour and 27 minutes to advance further in the event.
The Serbian star will face a familiar challenge in the next round, with potential rivals including a veteran winner or a rising Canadian talent. The upcoming matchups promise another test for Djokovic as he seeks to extend his current run.
Show time!
No doubt about the highlight reel this match produced for Djokovic and his supporters. The official Madrid Open feed captured the clean execution and strategic mastery as the match progressed.
Nadal was scheduled to make his return soon after, stepping back onto the court after a six-week layoff due to an rib injury. The draw positioned world-class opponents across the board, including a recent young challenger who had shown promise on the tour. The anticipation around Nadal’s comeback and the overall strength of the field highlighted Madrid Open as a pivotal early-season milestone.
Nadal’s Return
Nadal was set to debut on a Wednesday after his prolonged absence linked to a rib issue. A fellow veteran, a rising challenger, and a respected name in the rankings awaited him as he entered the power center for the matchups. The atmosphere suggested a notable stage in his comeback, with fans eagerly watching his movement, timing, and endurance on the clay.
Women’s Quarterfinals Drama
In the women’s draw, a breakthrough moment arrived as a Spanish player reached the quarterfinals for the first time in her career. She defeated a tough Russian opponent in a three-set battle, signaling a strong performance from Spanish tennis. The day’s results also saw two leading Spanish contenders, including two-time champion title favorites, advance or face stiff competition as the event progressed. A dramatic match involving a prominent opponent, ranked in the top 25, ended with a decisive set, illustrating how the tournament can surprise players at this stage. This continued the pattern of significant momentum for the Spanish contingent at the Masters 1000 level, following recent showings in North America and other venues on the tour.
The quarterfinal path also included a clash between a Canadian and an American, with the Canadian advancing to face a formidable opponent in the semis after defeating a strong field. The results underscored the depth across the women’s draw and the competitive balance that Madrid has fostered this season.