Novak Djokovic Remains Undefeated in 2021, Fends Off Jannik Sinner Challenge at Monte Carlo Masters 2021

World No.1 Novak Djokovic swept past Italian teenage sensation Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the second round of Monte Carlo Masters 2021. The Serbian remains unbeaten in 2021, having not played any tournaments since winning the Australian Open 2021.

Novak Djokovic wins a tough first set against Jannik Sinner at Monte Carlo Masters 2021

Djokovic started off a little better than Sinner. The first few games had Sinner with a very low first-serve percentage. Thus, Djokovic’s return was able to easily neutralize Sinner’s long second service. But Sinner threatened Djokovic with his pinpoint forehand winners. At 1-1, Sinner barraged Djokovic with forehand rockets to seal the first break of the match.

But Djokovic‘s brilliant defending gave him the break back, and the first set was leveled 2-2. Trailing 1-2, Djokovic came back into the set and forced Sinner to make more mistakes. With his limited arsenal and experience, Sinner was forced to find the lines and thus gave away points. Djokovic won four games in a row to lead 5-2.

Trailing at 2-5, Sinner had a 9-minute service hold as he stayed in the first set. But while serving for the set, Djokovic stumbled and hit multiple forehand unforced errors, and thus the set was back on serve at 5-4. But Djokovic played with tactics as Sinner was broken, and thus Djokovic took the first set with a great roar, 6-4.

Novak Djokovic’s controlled effort to win the match

Sinner was in turmoil as the second set began. Djokovic was easily moving the ball around as the Italian struggled. Like in the Miami Open, Sinner’s intensity dropped after the first set. As winners dried up, Sinner was getting desperate.

At 2-1, Djokovic broke Sinner’s service game courtesy of his trusted defensive solidity. The Serbian increased his lead to 4-2. Still, Sinner had a little left in him and got a break point in between, but Djokovic’s experience trumped him. In the end, Djokovic sealed the second set and match, 6-2.

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