Nalbandian drops from Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters

PanARMENIAN.Net - Novak Djokovic of Serbia reached the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters on Friday, dismissing Argentine David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. Djokovic led from start to finish, setting up a clash with either Fernando Verdasco or Albert Montanes after one hour and 19 minutes of play,

Djokovic took complete control right from the beginning, breaking at love for a 1-0 thanks to four consecutive Nalbandian errors. In fact, the second-ranked Serb won the first 11 points of the match, refusing to yield even one until netting a backhand with his opponent serving at 0-2, 0-40. Djokovic forced Nalbandian into a forehand error on the next point for a commanding 3-0 advantage.

An otherwise flawless opening set saw Djokovic give back a break as Nalbandian pulled to within 3-2, but Monte-Carlo's No. 1 seed promptly ran off another streak of three straight games. Nalbandian double-faulted on break point at 2-4 before Djokovic clinched the first set with a scorching inside-out forehand at 5-2, 40-30.

The 2009 runner-up ended all suspense with a routine break in the first game of set two. Nalbandian refused to go away mentally, holding a tough service game at 1-3 before taking Djokovic to a pair of deuces one game later. The 151st-ranked Argentine, coming back admirably from 2009 hip surgery, saved two break points at 2-4 but never could get back on serve.

Djokovic fought off two break points at 4-3, one with a backhand drop-shot and the next when Nalbandian just barely missed a backhand wide. Reeling from the missed opportunity, the 28-year-old surrendered on serve one game later as Djokovic clinched victory with another perfect backhand dropper.

Nalbandian ran out of gas at the end of his successful week, striking 18 winners and 33 unforced errors. Djokovic played a clean match with 14 winners and just 12 mistakes, tennistalk.com reports.