By Tony Fairbairn
- Jannik Sinner [2] v Stefanos Tsitsipas [12]
- Novak Djokovic [1] v Casper Ruud [8]
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – Jannik Sinner takes on former champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Monte-Carlo semi-finals as Novak Djokovic inches closer to more history.
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Jannik Sinner [2] v Stefanos Tsitsipas [12] | H2H: Tsitsipas leads 5-3
The rise of Jannik Sinner transforms from hard courts onto clay as he is into a fifth semi-final of the season after an epic three set win over Holger Rune. Now the world number two will look to add to his collection of his titles as he continues to prove why he is the best player in the world right now. A tough test awaits Sinner in the semi-finals as he faces former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas who seems to be rediscovering his form on clay after back-to-back wins over Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov.
H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jannik Sinner [2] v Stefanos Tsitsipas [12] | H2H: Tsitsipas leads 5-3 |
| ATP Monte-Carlo 2024 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €274,425 |
| Second on Court Rainier III (Not before 12:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Another great week for Sinner as he has transferred his hard court form onto clay as he is into a fifth semi-final this season.
Now the Italian will aim to continue to prove why on form he is the best player in the world as he searches for a first final in Monaco.
Standing in Sinner’s way is former champion Tsitsipas who has rediscovered his form this week with some very good wins.
Now Tsitsipas will look to reclaim his title as he aims to regain confidence heading into the rest of the clay court season.
After his quarter-final win Sinner spoke about keeping his concentration despite Rune’s antics and previewed his semi-final with Tsitsipas.
“I just focus on my side… It’s all part of the learning process,” Sinner told the ATP website.
“Even if I lose today, I learn again, so I’m very happy about today. It has been a very tough match. I’m very happy about the win.
“Tomorrow is going to be a tough one for sure. Against Stefanos, who is playing well. Let’s see what I can do tomorrow.”
Meanwhile Tsitsipas admitted that good memories from previous years have helped elevate his level this week.
“I would lie if I said it doesn’t bring good memories stepping out on this court,” Tsitsipas explained to the ATP website.
“It’s something that I attribute some of my performances here over time to. I come back here, and I sort of relive those memories of the past. It gives good feelings to me when I’m able to play in front of crowds like this and be able to try and strive for excellence with my game.”
Sinner will use the forehand to add variety to his pace of shot and force Tsitsipas out of position from the baseline as he aims to use angles to finish points quickly.
Meanwhile Tsitsipas will use spin in order to make Sinner uncomfortable and neutralize the Italian’s power from the back of the court.
Tsitsipas’ boost in form will trouble Sinner with the Italian edging out a three set epic in Monaco but it would be no shock to see Tsitsipas in the final given his suitability on clay.
Prediction: Sinner in three sets.
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Novak Djokovic [1] v Casper Ruud [8] | H2H: Djokovic leads 5-0
A much-needed week for Novak Djokovic who is into the semi-finals in Monte-Carlo for the first time in nine years after good wins over Lorenzo Musetti and Alex De Minaur. Now Djokovic is into a record-breaking 77th Masters 1000 semi-final and is two wins away from winning all nine Masters 1000 titles on at least three separate occasions each. Standing in Djokovic’s way of more history is in-form Casper Ruud who will look to gain revenge from his Roland Garros final defeat last year to the Serb.
H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Novak Djokovic [1] v Casper Ruud [8] | H2H: Djokovic leads 5-0 |
| ATP Monte-Carlo 2024 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €274,425 |
| Third on Court Rainier III (Not before 14:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
After a difficult start to the season, Djokovic is gradually returning to his best form on the clay as he is into his first Monte-Carlo semi-final since 2015.
Now more history awaits Djokovic as he looks to win each Masters 1000 title on at least three separate occasions, solidifying his name in the record books.
Standing in Djokovic’s way is Ruud who has played incredible to start the season and has lifted his confidence after a tough year last year.
Now Ruud looks for revenge on Djokovic after losing the Roland Garros final to the Serb last year.
Speaking ahead of the semi-finals, Djokovic spoke about his joy at reaching the last four and spoke about playing in Monaco.
“I am very happy to be back in the semis. It has been a while,” Djokovic said to the ATP website.
“I love this tournament. I love this club as well, I have been training at this club for many years. The past seven, eight years has been tough for me to win seven or eight matches consecutively, but here we are, another semis.”
Meanwhile Ruud described the final against Djokovic as David versus Goliath and admits he will do his best.
“I’m going to do my best, kind of David versus Goliath,” Ruud explained to the ATP website.
“I’m going to play loose, happy to have some Norwegian friends that are going to come and hopefully cheer me on and I’m going to enjoy the match.”
Djokovic will look to use depth to force Ruud behind the baseline as variety will be the key to victory for the Serb.
Meanwhile Ruud will aim to dictate play on the backhand while using the forehand to make Djokovic move around the court, giving him different spins to work with.
Although Djokovic hasn’t played his best tennis this week, the Serb should have too much quality to win the match.
Prediction: Djokovic in three sets.
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