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Novak Djokovic Smashes Racquet, Survives Monte Carlo Opener

By Harry Floyd

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 16: Novak Djokovic of Serbia smashes his racket in anger against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in their second round match during day 3 of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 16, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 16: Novak Djokovic of Serbia smashes his racket in anger against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in their second round match during day 3 of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 16, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Novak Djokovic manages a gritty win over German tennis player Philipp Kohlschreiber. Can he rebound with a stronger performance next?

World number one Novak Djokovic took out his frustration in full view of fans during his Monte Carlo Masters opener. The top seed took on Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber first at the event. He was not on his a-game by any means, but managed to squeak out a win. Djokovic was the first to acknowledge that it wasn’t the “prettiest” of matches.

Smashing his racquet multiple times on the clay courts at Monte Carlo, Djokovic survives Kohlschreiber with a three set victory. He wins 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

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Can Djokovic take the title in men’s singles at the Monte Carlo Masters? He is arguably the favorite in that he’s the top seed. Of course, defending champion Rafael Nadal is the tournament’s historical favorite. This year, the two enter nearly neck and neck in terms of odds.

This is Nadal’s time of year, Djokovic is the top player in the world, but both need to prove themselves at Monte Carlo. Nadal faces his first test tomorrow.

Taking on Roberto Bautista Agut first at Monte Carlo, Nadal sees a huge challenge in his opener. Neither Djokovic or Rafa has a clear path to the finals this month. And, if Djokovic’s first match is any indicator, it’s that the men’s singles field is packed with talent.

We dove deep into some of the early round upsets at the Monte Carlo Masters here. Check those out and keep an eye on some of the top seeded players as they open their tournaments today and tomorrow. Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, and Kei Nishikori are all looking to challenge the likes of Djokovic and Nadal at Monte Carlo.

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Do you think Novak Djokovic has what it takes to make a title run at the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters? He is arguably the one and only player to beat in men’s singles tennis right now. The King of Clay is on the courts tomorrow though and several rising ATP stars are looking to make their mark and upset the usual favorites.

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