Monte-Carlo Masters 2024: Novak Djokovic vs Alex de Minaur; Preview, Prediction, Head-to-Head

The 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters pits Novak Djokovic and Alex De Minaur in the quarterfinal. Djokovic was absent from performing his best tennis in 2024, which concerned his fans, but he returned with full force in the ongoing Monte-Carlo tournament. Minaur, on the other hand, has had a topsy-turvy season. He has performed well, but some abysmal shows have not favored him.

While both players have struggled in the last few weeks, their run in Monte Carlo has been nothing short of impressive. They beat their opponents with great displays of tennis and will use their momentum against each other now.  

Novak Djokovic vs Alex de Minaur: Preview

Djokovic had a fantastic run to the Australian Open semifinal as he beat every player except Jannik Sinner. He then competed in the Indian Wells Masters but couldn’t go past round 3 as he dealt with his health. In Monte-Carlo, the Djoker has defeated Roman Safiullin 6-1, 6-2 so far, only giving away 6 receiving points and winning 77% of points on his first serve and 92% on his second serve.

Djokovic then faced Lorenzo Musetti, who beat him in the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters. The Serbinator had his revenge in a clash that ended 7-5, 6-3. The bout was not easy, as Djokovic won 63% of the points on the first serve and 58% on the second serve. He won 5 out of 6 break points while giving away 3. 

Minaur played in several tournaments this season and performed the best in ATP Rotterdam by reaching the final and winning the Mexican Open. In both Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open, he lost in the round of 16 and then won his opening bout in Monte-Carlo against Stan Wawrinka, sending him home 6-3, 6-0. He then played Tallon Griekspoor 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, hitting 2 aces and 3 double faults. 

Minaur won 78% on first serves and 52% on second serves while winning 4 break points. He then played Alexei Popyrin and beat the Aussie 6-3, 6-4. Minaur put 2 aces past his fellow countryman and won 70% of points on first serve and 94% of points on second serve, letting Popyrin win only 6 points during his serve. Winning 4 out of 5 break points also came to his advantage as he will now face Djokovic.

Djokovic vs Minaur: Head-to-Head

The 24-time grand slam champion and the Aussie star have played against each other twice on the ATP Tour. At the moment, their rivalry is tied 1-1, with their latest match taking place in the 2024 United Cup.

• 2023 Australian Open round of 16: Novak Djokovic 6,2, 6-1, 6-2
• 2024 United Cup quarterfinal: Alex De Minaur 6-4, 6-4

The two players have only fought on outdoor hardcourts and are tied, which sets up an interesting clash for the two and the audience in the stands on the red clay of Monte Carlo.

Prediction: Djokovic to enter the semifinal

While Minaur managed to pull one past Djokovic in the United Cup, he has not faced the Djoker, who has been in his finest form this season. The Serbinator struggled to find his footing, but he is back to living up to his nickname. He overcame Musetti, who beat him last year, and will win against the Aussie star to put himself in the semifinal.

Although Minaur showed a good service game against Popyrin, his first serve percentage has been poor in Monte-Carlo. Djokovic, who is a ruthless returner, will take advantage of the fact. Djokovic also accumulated 44 service points against Musetti, which has become an even bigger problem for Aussie players. Minaur has the cards stacked against him, but he may be able to pull the rug under Djokovic, who has acclimated to the clay.

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