Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings.

Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful.

World number one and defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-supports-rafael-nadal-over-wimbledon-seedings-criticism-230554">Novak Djokovic</a> is the top seed.

Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, ranked number two in the world, is therefore guaranteed to be in the same half of the draw as either Federer or Djokovic.

"Obviously it would be better to be two than three but if they think I have to be three I will accept three and fight to win the matches I have to win," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar on Monday.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right about this issue is that it is only Wimbledon that does it. If they all did it, it would seem more correct. It's not only about my particular case. There have been many occasions when players have played well all year on all surfaces but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-says-wimbledons-seedings-system-not-a-good-thing-230352">Wimbledon </a>does not respect the ranking they have earned," Nadal said.

South Africa's Kevin Anderson is seeded fourth, well ahead of his ranking of eight, after reaching the final for the first time last year, with Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas all bumped down one position.

The women's seedings do mirror the rankings with French Open champion Ashleigh Barty top of the pile for the first time at a grand slam ahead of Naomi Osaka.

Defending champion Angelique Kerber is seeded fifth with seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams down in 11th.

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings. Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful.

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings. Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful. World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic is the top seed. Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, ranked number two in the world, is therefore guaranteed to be in the same half of the draw as either Federer or Djokovic. "Obviously it would be better to be two than three but if they think I have to be three I will accept three and fight to win the matches I have to win," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar on Monday. "The only thing that doesn't seem right about this issue is that it is only Wimbledon that does it. If they all did it, it would seem more correct. It's not only about my particular case. There have been many occasions when players have played well all year on all surfaces but Wimbledon does not respect the ranking they have earned," Nadal said. South Africa's Kevin Anderson is seeded fourth, well ahead of his ranking of eight, after reaching the final for the first time last year, with Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas all bumped down one position. The women's seedings do mirror the rankings with French Open champion Ashleigh Barty top of the pile for the first time at a grand slam ahead of Naomi Osaka. Defending champion Angelique Kerber is seeded fifth with seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams down in 11th.

Wimbledon: Roger Federer seeded second, Rafael Nadal drops to three

Spaniard Rafael Nadal received support from Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Tuesday after criticising the unique seedings formula used by the grasscourt Grand Slam which gets underway at the All England Club on Monday.

Nadal looks set to fall victim to the formula which tweaks the seedings based on the previous form on grass, with the 33-year-old expected to be seeded third behind <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-winner-rafael-nadal-still-lagging-novak-djokovic-in-rankings-226068&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWxoKy1IbjAhUJQo8KHQMtC4IQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1AvBmH7ndws7GEpTYjzuTh">top-ranked Djokovic</a> and Roger Federer despite being world number two.

Wimbledon, which will announce the seedings on Wednesday, is the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments not to stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings.

With Nadal, seeking a first Wimbledon title for nine years, seeded three it would mean he would most probably have to beat eight-time champion Roger Federer and four-time winner Djokovic to get his hands on the trophy for a third time.

"Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday.

"It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept. I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula," Nadal siad.

Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four.

SEEDING SURPRISE

Wimbledon top seed Djokovic said he could understand <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-says-wimbledons-seedings-system-not-a-good-thing-230352&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWxoKy1IbjAhUJQo8KHQMtC4IQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0INPU-ffhy0_7cu7bmBYTR">Nadal's frustration</a>.

"It's their rules and you have to respect it although it's a little bit surprising to be honest," the Serb told Reuters after playing at the Boodles exhibition event on Tuesday.

"Roger is the greatest of all time and has won the most Wimbledon titles of any player in history and if any player deserves it it's him. But at the same time it's Nadal that he is taking over (from as) the second seed so it's surprising to be honest," Djokovic said.

The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos.

The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw".

Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal received support from Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Tuesday after criticising the unique seedings formula used by the grasscourt Grand Slam which gets underway at the All England Club on Monday.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal received support from Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Tuesday after criticising the unique seedings formula used by the grasscourt Grand Slam which gets underway at the All England Club on Monday. Nadal looks set to fall victim to the formula which tweaks the seedings based on the previous form on grass, with the 33-year-old expected to be seeded third behind top-ranked Djokovic and Roger Federer despite being world number two. Wimbledon, which will announce the seedings on Wednesday, is the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments not to stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings. With Nadal, seeking a first Wimbledon title for nine years, seeded three it would mean he would most probably have to beat eight-time champion Roger Federer and four-time winner Djokovic to get his hands on the trophy for a third time. "Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday. "It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept. I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula," Nadal siad. Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four. SEEDING SURPRISE Wimbledon top seed Djokovic said he could understand Nadal's frustration. "It's their rules and you have to respect it although it's a little bit surprising to be honest," the Serb told Reuters after playing at the Boodles exhibition event on Tuesday. "Roger is the greatest of all time and has won the most Wimbledon titles of any player in history and if any player deserves it it's him. But at the same time it's Nadal that he is taking over (from as) the second seed so it's surprising to be honest," Djokovic said. The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order. "The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos. The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw". Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Novak Djokovic supports Rafael Nadal over Wimbledon seedings criticism

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday shrugged off Nick Kyrgios's characterisation of him as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTt_6_svfiAhWFFogKHUN2BMgQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1jPqekymlTHhfypDDXH9vn">"cringeworthy"</a> and "having an obsession with wanting to be liked" by insisting the firebrand Australian is a "good guy".

Kyrgios, more often in the headlines for what he says off the court than what he achieves on it, described world number one Djokovic as desperate to be held in the same high esteem as Roger Federer.

"I feel he wants to be liked so much that I just can't stand him. This celebration thing (Djokovic's 'cup of love' gesture to the crowd) is so cringeworthy," Kyrgios told NCR Tennis Podcast.

"No matter how many Grand Slams he wins, he will never be the greatest to me.&nbsp;For me, Federer will always be the greatest of all time,"&nbsp;Kyrgios said.

Djokovic, however, said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-nick-kyrgios-pulls-out-of-french-open-organisers-221393&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTt_6_svfiAhWFFogKHUN2BMgQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17a_kgjHp4fKJfsa1MIm5k">Kyrgios's </a>remarks "don't keep him awake at night".

"I think that basically he is a good guy. I don't know why he said all those things. Does he want to attract attention, does he want to be different?," Djokovic told reporters in Belgrade ahead of defending his Wimbledon title next month.

"He wants apparently to be true, open, transparent, that is part of his character. I respect him. Does he show me the respect to the extent that others do? No, he does not. That's just his way of communicating," Djokovic said.

Djokovic admitted that he had offered to help <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTt_6_svfiAhWFFogKHUN2BMgQFjAFegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Z58cGoi1aSlwH0JvQixUr">Kyrgios </a>deal with fame and its various pitfalls.

"Five years ago I even offered him sort of help, in the sense that he could come to me if he needs anything since at the beginning of my career I also experienced criticism against me.&nbsp;I was trying to respect everyone in life. I really don't understand his reasons, but I respect him," Djokovic added.

Four-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic hasn't played since a controversial <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dominic-thiem-stuns-novak-djokovic-faces-rafael-nadal-in-roland-garros-final-225511&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjT-a7dsvfiAhXFro8KHUOgA9kQFjACegQIDRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1QYHHNKklNjBRX_TFE6g4o">five-set loss to Dominic Thiem</a> in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.

"Because of the very long clay-court season I decided to take a break before Wimbledon," the 15-time Grand Slam winner said after his practice session on Wednesday.

"I'm going to need to get used to the grass, and I have a couple of exhibition games lined up. Just two or three sets each so I can test my tactics and technique,"&nbsp;Djokovic said.

Djokovic, 32, was training with his friend and compatriot Viktor Troicki at an academy owned by former player Janko Tipsarevic and where Djokovic's five-year-old son Stefan was also knocking a tennis ball around.

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday shrugged off Nick Kyrgios's characterisation of him as "cringeworthy" and "having an obsession with wanting to be liked" by insisting the firebrand Australian is a "good guy".

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday shrugged off Nick Kyrgios's characterisation of him as "cringeworthy" and "having an obsession with wanting to be liked" by insisting the firebrand Australian is a "good guy". Kyrgios, more often in the headlines for what he says off the court than what he achieves on it, described world number one Djokovic as desperate to be held in the same high esteem as Roger Federer. "I feel he wants to be liked so much that I just can't stand him. This celebration thing (Djokovic's 'cup of love' gesture to the crowd) is so cringeworthy," Kyrgios told NCR Tennis Podcast. "No matter how many Grand Slams he wins, he will never be the greatest to me. For me, Federer will always be the greatest of all time," Kyrgios said. Djokovic, however, said Kyrgios's remarks "don't keep him awake at night". "I think that basically he is a good guy. I don't know why he said all those things. Does he want to attract attention, does he want to be different?," Djokovic told reporters in Belgrade ahead of defending his Wimbledon title next month. "He wants apparently to be true, open, transparent, that is part of his character. I respect him. Does he show me the respect to the extent that others do? No, he does not. That's just his way of communicating," Djokovic said. Djokovic admitted that he had offered to help Kyrgios deal with fame and its various pitfalls. "Five years ago I even offered him sort of help, in the sense that he could come to me if he needs anything since at the beginning of my career I also experienced criticism against me. I was trying to respect everyone in life. I really don't understand his reasons, but I respect him," Djokovic added. Four-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic hasn't played since a controversial five-set loss to Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals at Roland Garros. "Because of the very long clay-court season I decided to take a break before Wimbledon," the 15-time Grand Slam winner said after his practice session on Wednesday. "I'm going to need to get used to the grass, and I have a couple of exhibition games lined up. Just two or three sets each so I can test my tactics and technique," Djokovic said. Djokovic, 32, was training with his friend and compatriot Viktor Troicki at an academy owned by former player Janko Tipsarevic and where Djokovic's five-year-old son Stefan was also knocking a tennis ball around.

Novak Djokovic: 'Kyrgios good guy even if he has no respect for me'

Rafael Nadal might have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-win-french-open-title-225750">won a 12th Roland Garros title</a> on the weekend, but he remains well behind Novak Djokovic, a semi-finalist in Paris, in ATP rankings released Monday.

Austrian Dominic Thiem, whom Nadal beat in Sunday's final, keeps his fourth place behind Switzerland's Roger Federer, who went down to the Spaniard in the last-four on his first appearance in Paris since 2015.

Russian Karen Khachanov jumped two spots into a personal best of ninth thanks to his achievement in reaching the French Open quarter-finals.

Italy's Fabio Fognini, also a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros and winner in Monte-Carlo in April, also moved up two places to 10th.

The biggest mover in the top 20 was Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka, whose quarter-final defeat by Federer in Paris was enough to see him go up nine places into 19th.

Watch&nbsp;Rafael Nadal's all winning moments at French Open:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nadal-lifts-french-open-trophy-for-12th-time-226006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ATP ranking as of June 10, 2019

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,715 pts

2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945

3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6,670

4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,685

5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,360

6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,215

7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040

8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,565

9. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,980 (+2)

10. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,785 (+2)

11. John Isner (USA) 2,715 (-1)

12. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 2,695 (-3)

13. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,625 (+1)

14. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,525 (+1)

15. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,395 (-2)

16. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2,055 (+1)

17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,970 (-1)

18. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,960

19. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,715 (+9)

20 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 1,690 (+1)

Rafael Nadal might have won a 12th Roland Garros title on the weekend, but he remains well behind Novak Djokovic, a semi-finalist in Paris, in ATP rankings released Monday.

Rafael Nadal might have won a 12th Roland Garros title on the weekend, but he remains well behind Novak Djokovic, a semi-finalist in Paris, in ATP rankings released Monday. Austrian Dominic Thiem, whom Nadal beat in Sunday's final, keeps his fourth place behind Switzerland's Roger Federer, who went down to the Spaniard in the last-four on his first appearance in Paris since 2015. Russian Karen Khachanov jumped two spots into a personal best of ninth thanks to his achievement in reaching the French Open quarter-finals. Italy's Fabio Fognini, also a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros and winner in Monte-Carlo in April, also moved up two places to 10th. The biggest mover in the top 20 was Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka, whose quarter-final defeat by Federer in Paris was enough to see him go up nine places into 19th. Watch Rafael Nadal's all winning moments at French Open: × ATP ranking as of June 10, 2019 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,715 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6,670 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,685 5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,360 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,215 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040 8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,565 9. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,980 (+2) 10. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,785 (+2) 11. John Isner (USA) 2,715 (-1) 12. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 2,695 (-3) 13. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,625 (+1) 14. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,525 (+1) 15. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,395 (-2) 16. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2,055 (+1) 17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,970 (-1) 18. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,960 19. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,715 (+9) 20 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 1,690 (+1)

French Open winner Rafael Nadal still lagging Novak Djokovic in rankings

Novak Djokovic's hope of winning a fourth straight Grand Slam title was in jeopardy at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rafael-nadal-beats-roger-federer-to-reach-12th-final-225296">French Open</a> on Friday when rain interrupted his semi-final against Austrian Dominic Thiem.

The 32-year-old Serb will return to court at midday on Saturday trailing 6-2, 3-6, 3-1 and with plenty of work to do if he is to get a crack at Rafael Nadal in the final.

Top seed Djokovic is bidding to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold the four big prizes in tennis simultaneously, having also done so in 2016.

In gusty winds, Thiem's powerful groundstrokes helped him dominate the first set and Djokovic was in trouble early in the second when he fended off a break point.

He got the crucial break in the eighth game of the second set, however, when a Thiem forehand kissed the net cord and flew long and Djokovic levelled the match.

With dark clouds closing in Thiem broke serve with a huge forehand early in the third, shortly before the rain started again.

Play was eventually cancelled for the day about 50 minutes later despite no rain falling -- leading to criticism from former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-ashleigh-barty-marketa-vondrousova-shrug-off-sexism-row-to-reach-their-maiden-final-225269">French Open</a> champion and pundit Jim Courier.

"This is going to sting. These conditions are very difficult for Novak, these are very advantageous for Dominic Thiem," the American, commentating for ITV, said.

"(Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer came ready to accept the conditions and so did Thiem. But Novak came ready to not like them. The happiest person right now would be Novak on his way back home,"&nbsp;Courier said.

Tournament director Guy Forget denied suggestions that Djokovic had left the grounds before play was postponed.

"I do not know who left first, but the two players were told exactly at the same time. They looked at each other and said 'OK',"&nbsp;Forget said.

The semi-final will resume at 1200 local time (1000GMT) on Saturday, organisers said.

With 11-times champion Nadal safely through, organisers said they still hope for a Sunday finish.

Nadal beat Roger Federer in straight sets in the first semi when strong winds also hampered the players.

Novak Djokovic's hope of winning a fourth straight Grand Slam title was in jeopardy at the French Open on Friday when rain interrupted his semi-final against Austrian Dominic Thiem.

Novak Djokovic's hope of winning a fourth straight Grand Slam title was in jeopardy at the French Open on Friday when rain interrupted his semi-final against Austrian Dominic Thiem. The 32-year-old Serb will return to court at midday on Saturday trailing 6-2, 3-6, 3-1 and with plenty of work to do if he is to get a crack at Rafael Nadal in the final. Top seed Djokovic is bidding to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold the four big prizes in tennis simultaneously, having also done so in 2016. In gusty winds, Thiem's powerful groundstrokes helped him dominate the first set and Djokovic was in trouble early in the second when he fended off a break point. He got the crucial break in the eighth game of the second set, however, when a Thiem forehand kissed the net cord and flew long and Djokovic levelled the match. With dark clouds closing in Thiem broke serve with a huge forehand early in the third, shortly before the rain started again. Play was eventually cancelled for the day about 50 minutes later despite no rain falling -- leading to criticism from former French Open champion and pundit Jim Courier. "This is going to sting. These conditions are very difficult for Novak, these are very advantageous for Dominic Thiem," the American, commentating for ITV, said. "(Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer came ready to accept the conditions and so did Thiem. But Novak came ready to not like them. The happiest person right now would be Novak on his way back home," Courier said. Tournament director Guy Forget denied suggestions that Djokovic had left the grounds before play was postponed. "I do not know who left first, but the two players were told exactly at the same time. They looked at each other and said 'OK'," Forget said. The semi-final will resume at 1200 local time (1000GMT) on Saturday, organisers said. With 11-times champion Nadal safely through, organisers said they still hope for a Sunday finish. Nadal beat Roger Federer in straight sets in the first semi when strong winds also hampered the players.

French Open: Thiem leads, Djokovic in trouble as rain stops play at semi-final

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-to-face-dominic-thiem-in-his-ninth-roland-garros-semi-final-225086"> French Open</a> was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful".

After torrential rain washed out all of Wednesday's play, the last two women's quarter-finals were played Thursday with the semi-finals pushed back a day until Friday.

However, the semi-final between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-australias-ashleigh-barty-outplays-madison-keys-reaches-her-first-semi-finals-225046">Ashleigh Barty</a> and&nbsp;Amanda Anisimova will be played on Court Suzanne Lenglen while Johanna Konta's match with Marketa Vondrousova has been shifted to the smaller 5,000-seater Court Simonne-Mathieu.

The men's semis between Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking on Dominic Thiem will be played on the main, 15,000-seat Court Philippe Chatrier as planned.

"We are extremely disappointed by the scheduling of both women's semi-finals on outside courts," said WTA chief executive Steve Simon.

"The four women who have played so well and made it this far have earned their right to play on the biggest stage. We believe other solutions were possible which would have been to the benefit of fans as well as all players," Simon said.

Both women's semi-finals were originally scheduled for Thursday on the rebuilt Chatrier Court with the final on Saturday.

Men's semi-finals day is Friday and Sunday is the traditional day for their championship match.

But Wednesday's washout, which also saw two men's quarter-finals played a day late on Thursday, caused havoc with the schedule.

Complicating the picture further is the threat of more rain on Friday, raising the prospect of the women's final being moved to Sunday and the men's to Monday.

'Lack of respect'

Tournament director Guy Forget had admitted that moving the women's semi-finals to smaller courts could be seen as controversial.

"You're afraid that some players might feel that it's a lack of respect or we are just trying to diminish it -- no," he said.

"Ideally, when you see historically what has happened in the tournament, we try to be fair to everyone," Forget added.

However, France's former world number one and two-time major winner Amelie Mauresmo blasted the decision to shift the women's semi-finals.

"It is shameful for our tournament," tweeted the 49-year-old.

"Everyone agrees that the match of the day is Federer/Nadal.&nbsp;But what message are we sending by taking the decision to put the two women's semi-finals on at 11 a.m. on the second and third courts? No match on the centre court?"&nbsp;

Mauresmo believes that the men's and women's semi-finals should be split between Chatrier and the 10,000-capacity Lenglen.

"It's simple to open Lenglen and Chatrier and have the two women's matches at 1 p.m. followed by the two men's,"&nbsp;Mauresmo said.

Anisimova, just 17, and the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2007 Australian Open said she had no objections to playing on a smaller court.

"Neither of them on Chatrier? I didn't know that," said the teenager when first told that she would not be playing on the main court.

"Actually, I'm really happy that I get to play tomorrow," added the American, who is the first player born in the 2000s to get to the last four of a major.

"I don't have to wait a whole day, because I get really eager to want to go on the court, so I'm happy I get to play tomorrow. They are all beautiful courts,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-defending-champion-simona-haleps-run-ended-by-teenager-anisimova-224981">Anisimova </a>said.

Barty, the highest seed left in the tournament at number eight, said it was a shame that her maiden Slam semi-final had been shifted to Lenglen.

"Obviously we would love to play on Chatrier," said the 23-year-old.

"For me, personally, I'm excited to be in a semi-final. It doesn't really matter which court I play on.&nbsp; Yes, of course, we would have loved to play on Chatrier. It's a beautiful court. But in saying that, all four of us will be ready and prepared and go out there and enjoy it,"&nbsp;Barty said.

The French Open was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful".

The French Open was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful". After torrential rain washed out all of Wednesday's play, the last two women's quarter-finals were played Thursday with the semi-finals pushed back a day until Friday. However, the semi-final between Ashleigh Barty and Amanda Anisimova will be played on Court Suzanne Lenglen while Johanna Konta's match with Marketa Vondrousova has been shifted to the smaller 5,000-seater Court Simonne-Mathieu. The men's semis between Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking on Dominic Thiem will be played on the main, 15,000-seat Court Philippe Chatrier as planned. "We are extremely disappointed by the scheduling of both women's semi-finals on outside courts," said WTA chief executive Steve Simon. "The four women who have played so well and made it this far have earned their right to play on the biggest stage. We believe other solutions were possible which would have been to the benefit of fans as well as all players," Simon said. Both women's semi-finals were originally scheduled for Thursday on the rebuilt Chatrier Court with the final on Saturday. Men's semi-finals day is Friday and Sunday is the traditional day for their championship match. But Wednesday's washout, which also saw two men's quarter-finals played a day late on Thursday, caused havoc with the schedule. Complicating the picture further is the threat of more rain on Friday, raising the prospect of the women's final being moved to Sunday and the men's to Monday. 'Lack of respect' Tournament director Guy Forget had admitted that moving the women's semi-finals to smaller courts could be seen as controversial. "You're afraid that some players might feel that it's a lack of respect or we are just trying to diminish it -- no," he said. "Ideally, when you see historically what has happened in the tournament, we try to be fair to everyone," Forget added. However, France's former world number one and two-time major winner Amelie Mauresmo blasted the decision to shift the women's semi-finals. "It is shameful for our tournament," tweeted the 49-year-old. "Everyone agrees that the match of the day is Federer/Nadal. But what message are we sending by taking the decision to put the two women's semi-finals on at 11 a.m. on the second and third courts? No match on the centre court?" Mauresmo believes that the men's and women's semi-finals should be split between Chatrier and the 10,000-capacity Lenglen. "It's simple to open Lenglen and Chatrier and have the two women's matches at 1 p.m. followed by the two men's," Mauresmo said. Anisimova, just 17, and the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2007 Australian Open said she had no objections to playing on a smaller court. "Neither of them on Chatrier? I didn't know that," said the teenager when first told that she would not be playing on the main court. "Actually, I'm really happy that I get to play tomorrow," added the American, who is the first player born in the 2000s to get to the last four of a major. "I don't have to wait a whole day, because I get really eager to want to go on the court, so I'm happy I get to play tomorrow. They are all beautiful courts," Anisimova said. Barty, the highest seed left in the tournament at number eight, said it was a shame that her maiden Slam semi-final had been shifted to Lenglen. "Obviously we would love to play on Chatrier," said the 23-year-old. "For me, personally, I'm excited to be in a semi-final. It doesn't really matter which court I play on. Yes, of course, we would have loved to play on Chatrier. It's a beautiful court. But in saying that, all four of us will be ready and prepared and go out there and enjoy it," Barty said.

French Open sinks in 'sexism row' over women's semi-finals switch from show court

French Open sexism row: 'Unfair', 'shameful' shift of women's semi-finals

Defending champion Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals on Friday, claiming his first win over his old rival in five years to move within one victory of a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title.

The 33-year-old produced a masterful performance to get past Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the last four on Court Philippe Chatrier and set up a final clash with either world number one Novak Djokovic or Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Sunday.

Federer had won the last five meetings in their 38-match rivalry, but Nadal got the better of him in the semi-final.

In their five previous meetings at Roland Garros, including four finals, Federer had never managed more than one set.

Nadal will face the winner from the second semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem in the final on Sunday.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals on Friday, claiming his first win over his old rival in five years to move within one victory of a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals on Friday, claiming his first win over his old rival in five years to move within one victory of a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title. The 33-year-old produced a masterful performance to get past Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the last four on Court Philippe Chatrier and set up a final clash with either world number one Novak Djokovic or Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Sunday. Federer had won the last five meetings in their 38-match rivalry, but Nadal got the better of him in the semi-final. In their five previous meetings at Roland Garros, including four finals, Federer had never managed more than one set. Nadal will face the winner from the second semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem in the final on Sunday.

French Open: Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer to reach 12th final

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track.

Top seed and world number one Djokovic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and will face Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Friday in what will be his 35th Grand Slam semi-final.

Thiem reached the semi-finals for a fourth successive year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov.

"It was a big challenge for me today but I was hitting the ball more cleanly," said 32-year-old Djokovic.

"It's a great joy to be in the semi-finals again."

The problem for Djokovic now in his pursuit of a second title in Paris and 16th major is the weather.

Heavy rain is forecast to hit Paris again on Friday after Wednesday's washout.

"I just have to keep my concentration and stay in the moment. I hope to continue like this," said the Serb.

Friday's other semi-final will see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer resume their great rivalry, meaning this is the first time the top four seeds have all reached the last four at a Grand Slam since the 2013 Australian Open.

The last time Djokovic made the semi-finals was 2016 when he went on to win the title.

He has a 6-2 career lead over Thiem and beat the Austrian in the Rome semi-finals in the run-up to Paris.

However, Thiem came out on top in the Roland Garros quarter-finals in straight sets in 2017.

Fifth seed Zverev, bidding to reach a maiden Slam semi-final and become the first German in the last-four in Paris since Michael Stich in 1996, made the stronger start.

The 22-year-old had break points in the third and fifth games of the opening set and finally broke through for a 5-4 lead.

But top seed Djokovic levelled immediately before claiming the set on a Zverev double fault.

Djokovic dominated the second set as breaks in the second and eighth games were enough to tighten his grip.

The world number one saved two more break points in the opening game of the third set and again made the German pay with a break for 4-2.

Zverev's 40th and last unforced error proved to be the final point of the one-sided quarter-final.

"I had chances in the first set but he broke back and was in control," said the German.

"When he's in control, he's tough to beat. He's number one for a reason.

"I expected more from this tournament but once the first set slipped away, it was difficult."

The world number five finished with eight double faults while converting just one of eight break points.

Thiem was utterly dominant on Court Suzanne Lenglen, hammering 29 winners, as his erratic opponent contrived to tally 37 unforced errors and only 17 winners.

"The key was to control the points. I'll be ready to maybe come back here tomorrow. This is one of my favourite courts in the world," said the 25-year-old, who is chasing a maiden Grand Slam title.

Khachanov had impressed in a fourth-round victory over Juan Martin del Potro, but was never in with a chance in the quarter-final, which was delayed from Wednesday due to rain, dropping serve twice in the opening set.

He managed to get to 4-4 in the second, only to see Thiem reel off eight of the next 10 games and seal a last-four spot without even facing a break point in the match.

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track.

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track. Top seed and world number one Djokovic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and will face Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Friday in what will be his 35th Grand Slam semi-final. Thiem reached the semi-finals for a fourth successive year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov. "It was a big challenge for me today but I was hitting the ball more cleanly," said 32-year-old Djokovic. "It's a great joy to be in the semi-finals again." The problem for Djokovic now in his pursuit of a second title in Paris and 16th major is the weather. Heavy rain is forecast to hit Paris again on Friday after Wednesday's washout. "I just have to keep my concentration and stay in the moment. I hope to continue like this," said the Serb. Friday's other semi-final will see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer resume their great rivalry, meaning this is the first time the top four seeds have all reached the last four at a Grand Slam since the 2013 Australian Open. The last time Djokovic made the semi-finals was 2016 when he went on to win the title. He has a 6-2 career lead over Thiem and beat the Austrian in the Rome semi-finals in the run-up to Paris. However, Thiem came out on top in the Roland Garros quarter-finals in straight sets in 2017. Fifth seed Zverev, bidding to reach a maiden Slam semi-final and become the first German in the last-four in Paris since Michael Stich in 1996, made the stronger start. The 22-year-old had break points in the third and fifth games of the opening set and finally broke through for a 5-4 lead. But top seed Djokovic levelled immediately before claiming the set on a Zverev double fault. Djokovic dominated the second set as breaks in the second and eighth games were enough to tighten his grip. The world number one saved two more break points in the opening game of the third set and again made the German pay with a break for 4-2. Zverev's 40th and last unforced error proved to be the final point of the one-sided quarter-final. "I had chances in the first set but he broke back and was in control," said the German. "When he's in control, he's tough to beat. He's number one for a reason. "I expected more from this tournament but once the first set slipped away, it was difficult." The world number five finished with eight double faults while converting just one of eight break points. Thiem was utterly dominant on Court Suzanne Lenglen, hammering 29 winners, as his erratic opponent contrived to tally 37 unforced errors and only 17 winners. "The key was to control the points. I'll be ready to maybe come back here tomorrow. This is one of my favourite courts in the world," said the 25-year-old, who is chasing a maiden Grand Slam title. Khachanov had impressed in a fourth-round victory over Juan Martin del Potro, but was never in with a chance in the quarter-final, which was delayed from Wednesday due to rain, dropping serve twice in the opening set. He managed to get to 4-4 in the second, only to see Thiem reel off eight of the next 10 games and seal a last-four spot without even facing a break point in the match.

Novak Djokovic to face Dominic Thiem in his ninth Roland Garros semi-final

Facing two teenagers in as many rounds in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-to-meet-in-french-open-semi-finals-224365">French Open</a> has left Simona Halep feeling "old", but the 27-year-old said the experience of being a Grand Slam winner can help her tackle youthful rivals, who show no fear.

Having dismantled 18-year-old Iga Swiatek of Poland 6-1, 6-0 in the last round, defending champion Halep faces a potentially tricky encounter against American Amanda Anisimova in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros on Wednesday.

While she may not like to be reminded of the 10-year age gap between Anisimova and herself, Halep is confident she can handle whatever the world number 51 throws at her.

"I feel old... very old. To play against someone 10 years younger than me, that's not easy... they're young, they have nothing to lose so every match is tough," Halep said.

"When you face someone that is higher ranked than you, you don't have, you know, fear. You just go and want to show your best tennis. So I feel like they have this feeling all the time when they play with someone better ranked. But also, I take my advantage and I say that I'm experienced. So we'll see," added Halep.

Anisimova announced herself on the big stage in January by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and won her maiden WTA title in Bogota in April.

She has moved into the last eight in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/johanna-konta-first-british-woman-in-roland-garros-semis-in-36-years-224347">Paris </a>without dropping a set, scoring a comprehensive 6-3, 6-0 win over Aliona Bolsova in the fourth round to set up a dream meeting with Halep.

"I can't describe how excited I am. It's amazing playing her. She won it the previous year. So honestly, I couldn't ask for a better match," Anisimova said.

"I'm just extremely happy and excited for the next round... I'm just gonna go out there... I have no pressure. Hopefully, I can bring my best game," added Anisimova.

In the other quarter-final, American Madison Keys squares off against Ashleigh Barty.

In the men's draw, top seed Novak Djokovic continues his quest to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold all four major titles simultaneously when he takes on Alexander Zverev.

Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem faces Russia's Karen Khachanov. 
&nbsp;

Facing two teenagers in as many rounds in the French Open has left Simona Halep feeling "old", but the 27-year-old said the experience of being a Grand Slam winner can help her tackle youthful rivals, who show no fear.

Facing two teenagers in as many rounds in the French Open has left Simona Halep feeling "old", but the 27-year-old said the experience of being a Grand Slam winner can help her tackle youthful rivals, who show no fear. Having dismantled 18-year-old Iga Swiatek of Poland 6-1, 6-0 in the last round, defending champion Halep faces a potentially tricky encounter against American Amanda Anisimova in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros on Wednesday. While she may not like to be reminded of the 10-year age gap between Anisimova and herself, Halep is confident she can handle whatever the world number 51 throws at her. "I feel old... very old. To play against someone 10 years younger than me, that's not easy... they're young, they have nothing to lose so every match is tough," Halep said. "When you face someone that is higher ranked than you, you don't have, you know, fear. You just go and want to show your best tennis. So I feel like they have this feeling all the time when they play with someone better ranked. But also, I take my advantage and I say that I'm experienced. So we'll see," added Halep. Anisimova announced herself on the big stage in January by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and won her maiden WTA title in Bogota in April. She has moved into the last eight in Paris without dropping a set, scoring a comprehensive 6-3, 6-0 win over Aliona Bolsova in the fourth round to set up a dream meeting with Halep. "I can't describe how excited I am. It's amazing playing her. She won it the previous year. So honestly, I couldn't ask for a better match," Anisimova said. "I'm just extremely happy and excited for the next round... I'm just gonna go out there... I have no pressure. Hopefully, I can bring my best game," added Anisimova. In the other quarter-final, American Madison Keys squares off against Ashleigh Barty. In the men's draw, top seed Novak Djokovic continues his quest to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold all four major titles simultaneously when he takes on Alexander Zverev. Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem faces Russia's Karen Khachanov.

French Open: Simona Halep counting on experience to tame teenager Anisimova to reach semis

French Open 2019: Know all the quarter-finalists of Men's singles

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals.

His 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of the 45th-ranked German means Djokovic is the first man to reach 10 successive quarter-finals at Roland Garros -- a feat even Rafael Nadal has not achieved.

Struff was bidding to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final and provided some early resistance in drizzly conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Djokovic had an early chance to break in the second game but Struff won a fierce baseline rally to avert the danger.

It felt like only a matter of time before Djokovic moved up a gear though, and in the seventh game he brought up two more break points with a stunning backhand passing shot.

He duly converted with a smash after softening up Struff with a series of punishing groundstrokes into the corners.

After holding serve to take the opening set, Djokovic rolled through the next two in cruise control, making only 11 unforced errors in the one-hour 33-minute workout.

He will face either Italian Fabio Fognini or German's Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final.

Djokovic is bidding to become only the second man to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously twice, having first achieved the feat three years ago when he won his only French Open title.

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals.

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals. His 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of the 45th-ranked German means Djokovic is the first man to reach 10 successive quarter-finals at Roland Garros -- a feat even Rafael Nadal has not achieved. Struff was bidding to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final and provided some early resistance in drizzly conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic had an early chance to break in the second game but Struff won a fierce baseline rally to avert the danger. It felt like only a matter of time before Djokovic moved up a gear though, and in the seventh game he brought up two more break points with a stunning backhand passing shot. He duly converted with a smash after softening up Struff with a series of punishing groundstrokes into the corners. After holding serve to take the opening set, Djokovic rolled through the next two in cruise control, making only 11 unforced errors in the one-hour 33-minute workout. He will face either Italian Fabio Fognini or German's Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final. Djokovic is bidding to become only the second man to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously twice, having first achieved the feat three years ago when he won his only French Open title.

Novak Djokovic reaches 10th successive French Open quarter-final

Novak Djokovic's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-del-potro-prevails-in-five-set-battle-with-nishioka-222988">French Open</a> has been something of a magical mystery tour so far and it will continue into round three after a convincing win over Swiss Henri Laaksonen on Thursday.

The 32-year-old world number one will face Italian qualifier Salvatore Caruso on Saturday - his third consecutive match against a player he has never previously faced.

His first round saw him ease past Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and on Thursday he got his first look at 104th-ranked Laaksonen -- swatting him aside in clinical fashion 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.

It will be another step into the unknown, so to speak, when he lines up against 147th-ranked Caruso.

"It's really interesting, the third match in a row that I get to play against someone that I have never faced before in a match," Djokovic, bidding to win a second French title and hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously for the second time, told reporters.

"But that's good because there is a shift of generations and new players coming up. Again, I'm going to have to do my homework, do analysis on him,'' Djokovic said.

"I watched him play a little bit today when I was waiting for my match. He came from qualifications. He won what, now, five matches? So there is a lot of confidence," added Djokovic.

It has certainly been a gentle start for Djokovic, as it has been for his title rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with that trio winning all 18 sets they have played so far.

Djokovic dropped only three points on serve in the opening set against Laaksonen -&nbsp;the lesser-known Swiss in the draw after Federer and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka.

There was a brief loss of focus when Djokovic was broken to love midway through the second set but he was quickly back in the groove to move two sets ahead.

He then polished off the third set in 24 minutes.

"I played as much as I need to play to win in straight sets. Didn't spend too much time on the court," the 15-times <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-dominic-thiem-battles-through-to-third-round-defeating-alexander-bublik-222837">Grand Slam</a> champion said.

"So all is going in the right direction. It's still early in the tournament, you know, but I do have high ambitions for this tournament. Grand Slams are the tournaments where I want to play my best, and hopefully, get a chance to fight for the title," Djokovic added.

Novak Djokovic's French Open has been something of a magical mystery tour so far and it will continue into round three after a convincing win over Swiss Henri Laaksonen on Thursday.

Novak Djokovic's French Open has been something of a magical mystery tour so far and it will continue into round three after a convincing win over Swiss Henri Laaksonen on Thursday. The 32-year-old world number one will face Italian qualifier Salvatore Caruso on Saturday - his third consecutive match against a player he has never previously faced. His first round saw him ease past Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and on Thursday he got his first look at 104th-ranked Laaksonen -- swatting him aside in clinical fashion 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. It will be another step into the unknown, so to speak, when he lines up against 147th-ranked Caruso. "It's really interesting, the third match in a row that I get to play against someone that I have never faced before in a match," Djokovic, bidding to win a second French title and hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously for the second time, told reporters. "But that's good because there is a shift of generations and new players coming up. Again, I'm going to have to do my homework, do analysis on him,'' Djokovic said. "I watched him play a little bit today when I was waiting for my match. He came from qualifications. He won what, now, five matches? So there is a lot of confidence," added Djokovic. It has certainly been a gentle start for Djokovic, as it has been for his title rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with that trio winning all 18 sets they have played so far. Djokovic dropped only three points on serve in the opening set against Laaksonen - the lesser-known Swiss in the draw after Federer and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka. There was a brief loss of focus when Djokovic was broken to love midway through the second set but he was quickly back in the groove to move two sets ahead. He then polished off the third set in 24 minutes. "I played as much as I need to play to win in straight sets. Didn't spend too much time on the court," the 15-times Grand Slam champion said. "So all is going in the right direction. It's still early in the tournament, you know, but I do have high ambitions for this tournament. Grand Slams are the tournaments where I want to play my best, and hopefully, get a chance to fight for the title," Djokovic added.

French open: Novak Djokovic cruises into third round after convincing win over Henri Laaksonen

Top seed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-the-main-favourite-says-novak-djokovic-about-rafael-nadal-ahead-of-french-open-221579&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjatYLNwb3iAhUs63MBHTkwAqUQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-ggrkO6FsqfmybXVQs9wX">Novak Djokovic</a> might be out of pocket after trashing the floor of a Roland Garros gym but there was little else troubling the Serb after he opened his French Open bid on Monday by dismantling Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz.

The 32-year-old, bidding for a second Roland Garros title and to become the first man in the professional era to hold all four Grand Slam titles on two separate occasions, mixed power and precision in equal measure to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Reigning champion Rafael Nadal, the man most likely to block Djokovic's path to a second "Nole Slam", had earlier launched his bid for a 12th title on the Parisian clay in sublime style.

But <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-third-madrid-title-and-33rd-masters-218214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjatYLNwb3iAhUs63MBHTkwAqUQFjACegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0woI3W_urGYr3Md9DW_5z6">Djokovic</a> more than matched the Spaniard's display with a near faultless performance in the afternoon sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier to seal a 22nd consecutive win in Grand Slam play since losing in the quarter-finals here last year.

On Friday Djokovic posted a video after the medicine ball he was working out on went through a wooden floor.

"I probably will," Djokovic told reporters when asked if he had received a repair bill.

"The damage was pretty big, I must say. You know, huge muscles that I possess, it's kind of expected I make the big hole like that,'' Novak said.

"I just swing with the ball quite hard in front of me, kind of to warm up the upper body, and after a second throw, I heard a crack. The wooden floor completely collapsed under. They fixed it in less than a day. Next day it wasn't there. But the next day I was doing it on a concrete wall and concrete steps. I learned my lesson," Djokovic added.

Djokovic is bidding for his second title at Roland Garros having beaten Andy Murray in 2016 to hold all four Slams together and match Rod Laver's 1969 feat.

Since his first, the French Open has undergone a huge makeover and Djokovic said he is impressed with the revamp of Chatrier, hinting that it could give him a subtle advantage.

"Very nice. Great job, Roland Garros, for sure, to make this kind of renovation in less than 12 months is really impressive.&nbsp;It's a pleasure to play in the new court. It's different. It's a different feeling,'' he told reporters.

"It looks different, obviously, and feels a bit different. Feels a little bit more like indoor, which I like," Djokovic added.

Djokovic broke serve in the opening game on his way to taking the opening set in routine fashion and the only blip was when he dropped serve at 4-1 in the second set.

The match was more or less in the bag by then, however, and Djokovic cantered to victory to set up a second-round clash with Swiss lucky loser Laaksonen.

Djokovic has prior experience in needing a French Open title to win four Grand Slams in a row, although this time perhaps there is less pressure as he already triumphed on the clay.

''The routine will be the same though. I just need to be in my lockdown, so to say, mentally, and just do things that have worked for me in the past," he said.

Top seed Novak Djokovic might be out of pocket after trashing the floor of a Roland Garros gym but there was little else troubling the Serb after he opened his French Open bid on Monday by dismantling Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz.

Top seed Novak Djokovic might be out of pocket after trashing the floor of a Roland Garros gym but there was little else troubling the Serb after he opened his French Open bid on Monday by dismantling Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz. The 32-year-old, bidding for a second Roland Garros title and to become the first man in the professional era to hold all four Grand Slam titles on two separate occasions, mixed power and precision in equal measure to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Reigning champion Rafael Nadal, the man most likely to block Djokovic's path to a second "Nole Slam", had earlier launched his bid for a 12th title on the Parisian clay in sublime style. But Djokovic more than matched the Spaniard's display with a near faultless performance in the afternoon sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier to seal a 22nd consecutive win in Grand Slam play since losing in the quarter-finals here last year. On Friday Djokovic posted a video after the medicine ball he was working out on went through a wooden floor. "I probably will," Djokovic told reporters when asked if he had received a repair bill. "The damage was pretty big, I must say. You know, huge muscles that I possess, it's kind of expected I make the big hole like that,'' Novak said. "I just swing with the ball quite hard in front of me, kind of to warm up the upper body, and after a second throw, I heard a crack. The wooden floor completely collapsed under. They fixed it in less than a day. Next day it wasn't there. But the next day I was doing it on a concrete wall and concrete steps. I learned my lesson," Djokovic added. Djokovic is bidding for his second title at Roland Garros having beaten Andy Murray in 2016 to hold all four Slams together and match Rod Laver's 1969 feat. Since his first, the French Open has undergone a huge makeover and Djokovic said he is impressed with the revamp of Chatrier, hinting that it could give him a subtle advantage. "Very nice. Great job, Roland Garros, for sure, to make this kind of renovation in less than 12 months is really impressive. It's a pleasure to play in the new court. It's different. It's a different feeling,'' he told reporters. "It looks different, obviously, and feels a bit different. Feels a little bit more like indoor, which I like," Djokovic added. Djokovic broke serve in the opening game on his way to taking the opening set in routine fashion and the only blip was when he dropped serve at 4-1 in the second set. The match was more or less in the bag by then, however, and Djokovic cantered to victory to set up a second-round clash with Swiss lucky loser Laaksonen. Djokovic has prior experience in needing a French Open title to win four Grand Slams in a row, although this time perhaps there is less pressure as he already triumphed on the clay. ''The routine will be the same though. I just need to be in my lockdown, so to say, mentally, and just do things that have worked for me in the past," he said.

French Open: Top seed Novak Djokovic powers past Hubert Hurkacz

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafa-nadal-threaten-djokovic-bid-for-historic-slam-221522">French Open</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.&nbsp;

While ahead of the Grand Slam, Djokovic said that Rafael Nadal is his favourite for the tournament.&nbsp;

"He's the main favourite to win the title. I think it wouldn't be fair to pick anybody else but him as the main favourite, because he has won this tournament so many times," said the Serb, as he spoke at a press conference ahead of the Grand Slam in France.&nbsp;

"He has lost, what, two times in his career on Parisian clay? So, lots of respect for him, obviously, as always," he added.&nbsp;

Top seed Djokovic will start his French Open campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Monday.&nbsp;

Djokovic has been enjoying a good run of form during the clay season, winning the title in Madrid before losing to Nadal in Rome.&nbsp;

Watch the preview of French Open 2019:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-can-stop-rafa-nadal-from-winning-12th-title-221573/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On being asked about his preparations, Djokovic said, "Nothing really in particular days before Roland Garros. I don't do anything that is completely different from anything that I do in the different periods of the year. I do set up a strategy with my team to peak at the Grand Slams, because at this stage of my career, those are the ones that matter the most for me."&nbsp;

"I really want to win on every tournament that I participate, but of course Grand Slams just have a special place," he added.&nbsp;

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's French Open. The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's French Open. The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. While ahead of the Grand Slam, Djokovic said that Rafael Nadal is his favourite for the tournament. "He's the main favourite to win the title. I think it wouldn't be fair to pick anybody else but him as the main favourite, because he has won this tournament so many times," said the Serb, as he spoke at a press conference ahead of the Grand Slam in France. "He has lost, what, two times in his career on Parisian clay? So, lots of respect for him, obviously, as always," he added. Top seed Djokovic will start his French Open campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Monday. Djokovic has been enjoying a good run of form during the clay season, winning the title in Madrid before losing to Nadal in Rome. Watch the preview of French Open 2019: × On being asked about his preparations, Djokovic said, "Nothing really in particular days before Roland Garros. I don't do anything that is completely different from anything that I do in the different periods of the year. I do set up a strategy with my team to peak at the Grand Slams, because at this stage of my career, those are the ones that matter the most for me." "I really want to win on every tournament that I participate, but of course Grand Slams just have a special place," he added.

'He's the main favourite,' says Novak Djokovic about Rafael Nadal ahead of French Open

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way.

Who can stop Rafael Nadal from winning 12th title?

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.

However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way.

World number one Djokovic completed his first private stranglehold of all four Slams with victory at Roland Garros in 2016.

Having clinched the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open titles and then a seventh Australian Open crown in January this year, the Serb is tantalisingly close to another 'Djoko Slam'.

Federer and Nadal, with 20 and 17 career Grand Slam titles each respectively, may be ahead of 15-time major winner Djokovic in total hauls.

However, they have never managed to hold all four of the sport's greatest prizes at the same time.

It is such a rare feat that only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) -- all calendar Grand Slams -- have pulled off the sweep in the sport's history.

Djokovic, who turned 32 on Wednesday, is playing down his potential date with destiny.

After losing to Nadal in the Italian Open final last weekend, the Serb was in no doubt that it was the Spaniard who would likely be celebrating a 12th Roland Garros title in a little over two weeks' time.

"Nadal, number one favourite, without a doubt -- then everyone else," he said.

However, he admits his Paris triumph of 2016 which gave him his first sweep, is fuelling his bid for more history.

"There is an extra motivation and incentive to win Roland Garros because of the opportunity to hold all four Slams, something I did three years ago, and that gives me obviously enough reason to believe I can do it again."

Twelve months ago, such confidence would have appeared reckless when he was shocked by Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-finals, a defeat which sent him crashing out of the top 20 for the first time in over a decade.

This time around he starts his campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the world number 43 with a potential quarter-final against Germany's Alexander Zverev who has still to get past the last eight at a Slam.

Federer is returning to Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 having turned his back on clay court tennis to focus on Wimbledon.&nbsp;

10th anniversary

This year marks the 10th anniversary of his one and only Paris triumph and should the 37-year-old defy the odds and clinch the 2019 title he would become the oldest Grand Slam champion of all time.

However, Federer admits his hopes of seeing off Nadal and Djokovic are slim.

"I feel like I'm playing good tennis, but is it enough against the absolute top guys when it really comes to the crunch? I'm not sure if it's in my racquet," he said Friday.

The Swiss star faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, ranked at 73 in the first round on Sunday and could meet Nadal in the semi-finals.

Nadal, whose record at Roland Garros stands at a staggering 11 titles and a win-loss record of 86-2, claimed a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34th Masters last week.

"I don't care if I'm the favourite," said Nadal who starts against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, the world 184 who has never won a Grand Slam match.&nbsp;

"I care about feeling well and playing well."

Nadal's three-set win over Djokovic in Rome was timely as it was his first title of 2019 and had followed three successive semi-final losses at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.

The last two of those were against Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom play with a one-handed backhand, just like Federer.

Thiem, the 2018 runner-up to Nadal at Roland Garros, has defeated the Spaniard four times on clay.

"There is a new wave coming through with the one-handed backhand that can counter some of Rafa's spins and lefty play," said Federer.

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way. World number one Djokovic completed his first private stranglehold of all four Slams with victory at Roland Garros in 2016. Having clinched the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open titles and then a seventh Australian Open crown in January this year, the Serb is tantalisingly close to another 'Djoko Slam'. Federer and Nadal, with 20 and 17 career Grand Slam titles each respectively, may be ahead of 15-time major winner Djokovic in total hauls. However, they have never managed to hold all four of the sport's greatest prizes at the same time. It is such a rare feat that only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) -- all calendar Grand Slams -- have pulled off the sweep in the sport's history. Djokovic, who turned 32 on Wednesday, is playing down his potential date with destiny. After losing to Nadal in the Italian Open final last weekend, the Serb was in no doubt that it was the Spaniard who would likely be celebrating a 12th Roland Garros title in a little over two weeks' time. "Nadal, number one favourite, without a doubt -- then everyone else," he said. However, he admits his Paris triumph of 2016 which gave him his first sweep, is fuelling his bid for more history. "There is an extra motivation and incentive to win Roland Garros because of the opportunity to hold all four Slams, something I did three years ago, and that gives me obviously enough reason to believe I can do it again." Twelve months ago, such confidence would have appeared reckless when he was shocked by Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-finals, a defeat which sent him crashing out of the top 20 for the first time in over a decade. This time around he starts his campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the world number 43 with a potential quarter-final against Germany's Alexander Zverev who has still to get past the last eight at a Slam. Federer is returning to Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 having turned his back on clay court tennis to focus on Wimbledon. 10th anniversary This year marks the 10th anniversary of his one and only Paris triumph and should the 37-year-old defy the odds and clinch the 2019 title he would become the oldest Grand Slam champion of all time. However, Federer admits his hopes of seeing off Nadal and Djokovic are slim. "I feel like I'm playing good tennis, but is it enough against the absolute top guys when it really comes to the crunch? I'm not sure if it's in my racquet," he said Friday. The Swiss star faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, ranked at 73 in the first round on Sunday and could meet Nadal in the semi-finals. Nadal, whose record at Roland Garros stands at a staggering 11 titles and a win-loss record of 86-2, claimed a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34th Masters last week. "I don't care if I'm the favourite," said Nadal who starts against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, the world 184 who has never won a Grand Slam match. "I care about feeling well and playing well." Nadal's three-set win over Djokovic in Rome was timely as it was his first title of 2019 and had followed three successive semi-final losses at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. The last two of those were against Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom play with a one-handed backhand, just like Federer. Thiem, the 2018 runner-up to Nadal at Roland Garros, has defeated the Spaniard four times on clay. "There is a new wave coming through with the one-handed backhand that can counter some of Rafa's spins and lefty play," said Federer.

Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal threaten Djokovic bid for historic Slam

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-ultimate-challenge-novak-djokovic-to-meet-rafa-nadal-in-italian-open-final-219785">Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic</a> in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals.

Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
🇪🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1130251795584839680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year.

However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9.

The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just look at the smile on him 😀 
 
Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 
 
🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a> <a href="https://t.co/uhxmwBCl8m">pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1130188556096479232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26.

“To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.”

The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes.

The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4.

But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear.

"I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said.

"Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side.

"He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title. The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title. Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals. Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set. 🇪🇸 @rafaelnadal will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.#ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year. However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9. The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final. Just look at the smile on him 😀 Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 🎥: @RafaelNadal | #ibi19 pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × “For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26. “To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.” The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes. The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4. But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear. "I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said. "Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side. "He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal blows away Novak Djokovic to land ninth Rome title

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final.

Djokovic battled past Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 and meets defending champion Nadal on Sunday after the Spaniard earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-powers-into-rome-final-as-johanna-konta-completes-comeback-win-in-semis-219690">swept past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4</a> to reach his 50th Masters final.

"It's the ultimate challenge," said the Serbian world number one of playing second-ranked Nadal.&nbsp;

"I've had so many matches against him. Up to date, we had the longest rivalry of tennis of all time.&nbsp;Every time we get to play each other, it's a thrill."

Djokovic -- winner at the Madrid Open last weekend -- has had to battle through his last two matches in Rome.

The 31-year-old won through in 2hr 31min against 24th-ranked Schwartzman, having saved two match points over three hours on Friday night against Juan Martin Del Potro.

But Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, has not dropped a set all week en route to an 11th Rome final.

"He's one of the greatest champions this game has ever seen," said 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It's all come down to this! <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@djokernole</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1129909533873074176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"His mentality, his approach, his resilience, ability to fight back after long absence from the tour, injuries, surgeries, he's had it all.&nbsp;

"He keeps on showing to the world why he's one of the biggest legends of tennis history.&nbsp;I have greatest respect for him. He's my greatest rival of all time, for sure."&nbsp;

The only time eight-time Rome winner Nadal has lost on the red clay of the Foro Italico has been to four-time winner Djokovic.

The pair who have meet four times in the Rome final and are 2-2 in previous meetings while Djokovic leads their career rivalry 28-25.

'Important test'

Nadal, seeded second, was playing his fourth straight semi-final, but had not managed to go further on clay this season.

The 32-year-old had been stunned by Tsitsipas, seeded eighth and 12 years his junior, in the semi-finals at the Madrid Open last weekend.

But the Spaniard was clinical on the red clay of the Foro Italico, winning through in 1hr 42min to reach the final for the 11th time.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
5️⃣3️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a> ATP Head2Head matches! 😲<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@djokernole</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1129906477018353665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It's an important victory for me," said Nadal.&nbsp;

"Last week I didn't play very well in Madrid. Today I did better.

"For me tomorrow is an opportunity to play against a good player, a great player.&nbsp;

"Is another test. I hope to be ready to compete well. Going to be a tough one."

Nadal's run to the Rome final comes just a week before he starts his assault on a 12th French Open title at Roland Garros.

"The feeling is that I am playing better every week, every day. That's important for me," he said.

"It's not a drama to lose in semi-finals. The main thing is recover my level.&nbsp;

"I've been through some tough moments after Indian Wells. Recovery of the knee again... was not easy to come back and to prepare myself the right way."

Tsitsipas, meanwhile, who lost the Madrid final to Djokovic, was at a loss to explain his performance as he fell to his fourth defeat in five matches against Nadal.

"I'm just trying to realise what I did wrong," said Tsitsipas, "because, I mean, it was just one break in each set, if I'm not wrong."

Fellow Greek Maria Sakkari's run was also halted in the women's tournament as she fell 6-4, 6-4 to Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova in 88 minutes.

Sakkari, a 39th-ranked Rome qualifier, had won her first WTA title on clay at the Moroccan Open when she beat Britain's Johanna Konta.

"I think I ran out of gas," said the 23-year-old.

Konta, ranked 42, fought back from a set down to seal victory on her fourth match point against Madrid Open winner Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 after almost three hours to set-up a Sunday final clash with Pliskova.

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final.

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final. Djokovic battled past Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 and meets defending champion Nadal on Sunday after the Spaniard earlier swept past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 to reach his 50th Masters final. "It's the ultimate challenge," said the Serbian world number one of playing second-ranked Nadal. "I've had so many matches against him. Up to date, we had the longest rivalry of tennis of all time. Every time we get to play each other, it's a thrill." Djokovic -- winner at the Madrid Open last weekend -- has had to battle through his last two matches in Rome. The 31-year-old won through in 2hr 31min against 24th-ranked Schwartzman, having saved two match points over three hours on Friday night against Juan Martin Del Potro. But Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, has not dropped a set all week en route to an 11th Rome final. "He's one of the greatest champions this game has ever seen," said 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic. It's all come down to this! @djokernole @rafaelnadal | #ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × "His mentality, his approach, his resilience, ability to fight back after long absence from the tour, injuries, surgeries, he's had it all. "He keeps on showing to the world why he's one of the biggest legends of tennis history. I have greatest respect for him. He's my greatest rival of all time, for sure." The only time eight-time Rome winner Nadal has lost on the red clay of the Foro Italico has been to four-time winner Djokovic. The pair who have meet four times in the Rome final and are 2-2 in previous meetings while Djokovic leads their career rivalry 28-25. 'Important test' Nadal, seeded second, was playing his fourth straight semi-final, but had not managed to go further on clay this season. The 32-year-old had been stunned by Tsitsipas, seeded eighth and 12 years his junior, in the semi-finals at the Madrid Open last weekend. But the Spaniard was clinical on the red clay of the Foro Italico, winning through in 1hr 42min to reach the final for the 11th time. 5️⃣3️⃣ @FedEx ATP Head2Head matches! 😲@djokernole @rafaelnadal | #ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × "It's an important victory for me," said Nadal. "Last week I didn't play very well in Madrid. Today I did better. "For me tomorrow is an opportunity to play against a good player, a great player. "Is another test. I hope to be ready to compete well. Going to be a tough one." Nadal's run to the Rome final comes just a week before he starts his assault on a 12th French Open title at Roland Garros. "The feeling is that I am playing better every week, every day. That's important for me," he said. "It's not a drama to lose in semi-finals. The main thing is recover my level. "I've been through some tough moments after Indian Wells. Recovery of the knee again... was not easy to come back and to prepare myself the right way." Tsitsipas, meanwhile, who lost the Madrid final to Djokovic, was at a loss to explain his performance as he fell to his fourth defeat in five matches against Nadal. "I'm just trying to realise what I did wrong," said Tsitsipas, "because, I mean, it was just one break in each set, if I'm not wrong." Fellow Greek Maria Sakkari's run was also halted in the women's tournament as she fell 6-4, 6-4 to Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova in 88 minutes. Sakkari, a 39th-ranked Rome qualifier, had won her first WTA title on clay at the Moroccan Open when she beat Britain's Johanna Konta. "I think I ran out of gas," said the 23-year-old. Konta, ranked 42, fought back from a set down to seal victory on her fourth match point against Madrid Open winner Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 after almost three hours to set-up a Sunday final clash with Pliskova.

'The ultimate challenge': Novak Djokovic to meet Rafa Nadal in Italian Open final

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-pulls-out-of-italian-open-due-to-right-thumb-injury-219451">World number one Osaka pulled out</a> of her quarter-final meeting with Kiki Bertens due to a thumb injury before 37-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-out-of-italian-open-with-right-leg-injury-219425">Federer announced his withdrawal</a> because of a problem to his right leg.

Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6, (8-6), 6-4 in a three-hour thriller in the final match of the day to set up a semi-final with another Argentine Diego Schwartzman.

The world number one saved two match points in a second set tiebreak before edging to victory in the final set after a match that brought out some scintillating tennis from both players.

Djokovic will now meet Schwartzman on Saturday after the world number 24 beat Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2.&nbsp;

Defending Italian Open champion Nadal set up a semi-final with Stefanos Tsitsipas thanks to a 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

A week after losing to the Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open, the 32-year-old Nadal will be eager to prove that defeat was just a blip as the Spaniard fine-tunes his game ahead of his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old Greek progressed after Federer's withdrawal.

Nadal went 2-0 down against Verdasco before surviving three break points at 4-4 in the first set, but the second seed pulled away by winning eight consecutive games to continue his hunt for a ninth title in Rome.

"I was not playing badly at the beginning at all but he was playing unbelievable (tennis)," Nadal told reporters.

"No mistakes, a lot of winners, taking the ball early. It was a very difficult first set. It was one of the first sets that I am happier with. I think I had a good feeling during the whole match. Then after winning that first set, in the second, of course, he slows down a little bit, but I was able to play a little bit more aggressive with the forehand'', Nadal said.

"I did a lot of things well. I am very happy to be in the semi-finals again. It's a good victory", he added.

In the women's draw, Konta booked her first semi-final in Rome with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Czech Marketa Vondrousova.

The Briton, who defeated Americans Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams in her two matches on Thursday, will face sixth seed Bertens on Saturday after the Madrid Open champion progressed as a result of Osaka's withdrawal.&nbsp;

Konta, celebrating her 28th birthday, hit 42 winners against the 19-year-old Vondrousova and dominated the final set to clinch victory in one hour, 53 minutes.

She heads towards this month's French Open in fine form on clay, having finished runner-up in the Morocco Open at the start of May.&nbsp;

Fourth seed Karolina Pliskova recorded her 500th career win with a 6-7, (5-7), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Victoria Azarenka.

She will face Maria Sakkari in the other semi-final after the Greek defeated fellow qualifier Kristina Mladenovic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems.

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems. World number one Osaka pulled out of her quarter-final meeting with Kiki Bertens due to a thumb injury before 37-year-old Federer announced his withdrawal because of a problem to his right leg. Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6, (8-6), 6-4 in a three-hour thriller in the final match of the day to set up a semi-final with another Argentine Diego Schwartzman. The world number one saved two match points in a second set tiebreak before edging to victory in the final set after a match that brought out some scintillating tennis from both players. Djokovic will now meet Schwartzman on Saturday after the world number 24 beat Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2. Defending Italian Open champion Nadal set up a semi-final with Stefanos Tsitsipas thanks to a 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. A week after losing to the Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open, the 32-year-old Nadal will be eager to prove that defeat was just a blip as the Spaniard fine-tunes his game ahead of his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title. The 20-year-old Greek progressed after Federer's withdrawal. Nadal went 2-0 down against Verdasco before surviving three break points at 4-4 in the first set, but the second seed pulled away by winning eight consecutive games to continue his hunt for a ninth title in Rome. "I was not playing badly at the beginning at all but he was playing unbelievable (tennis)," Nadal told reporters. "No mistakes, a lot of winners, taking the ball early. It was a very difficult first set. It was one of the first sets that I am happier with. I think I had a good feeling during the whole match. Then after winning that first set, in the second, of course, he slows down a little bit, but I was able to play a little bit more aggressive with the forehand'', Nadal said. "I did a lot of things well. I am very happy to be in the semi-finals again. It's a good victory", he added. In the women's draw, Konta booked her first semi-final in Rome with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Czech Marketa Vondrousova. The Briton, who defeated Americans Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams in her two matches on Thursday, will face sixth seed Bertens on Saturday after the Madrid Open champion progressed as a result of Osaka's withdrawal. Konta, celebrating her 28th birthday, hit 42 winners against the 19-year-old Vondrousova and dominated the final set to clinch victory in one hour, 53 minutes. She heads towards this month's French Open in fine form on clay, having finished runner-up in the Morocco Open at the start of May. Fourth seed Karolina Pliskova recorded her 500th career win with a 6-7, (5-7), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Victoria Azarenka. She will face Maria Sakkari in the other semi-final after the Greek defeated fellow qualifier Kristina Mladenovic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Italian Open: Djokovic, Nadal and Konta progress to semis, Osaka and Federer bow out with injury

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals.

The Spaniard will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic's clash with Diego Schwartzman on Sunday.

Nadal avenged his defeat to the 20-year-old Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open a week ago as he looked to be returning to form ahead of this month’s French Open.

The 32-year-old broke Tsitsipas’s serve early in both sets while holding his own service games as he wrapped up victory in one hour 42 minutes.

The win keeps Nadal in the hunt for a ninth Italian Open title after he lost at the semi-final stages of his last four tournaments.

In the women's singles, Konta came from a set behind to beat Dutch world number four Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 and progress to the final, where she will face qualifier Maria Sakkari or fourth seed Karolina Pliskova.

The 28-year-old will contest her second claycourt final of the season, after finishing as runner-up to Sakkari at the Morocco Open, as she heads into this month’s French Open in fine form.

Konta lost her momentum after being broken while serving for the first set but fought back by taking the second.

She pulled away in the final set, breaking the Madrid Open champion’s serve twice before securing victory on her fourth match point.

“After I lost the first set, I mean, I didn’t do much wrong," Konta said.

"It was a very good set of tennis. Equally the second set, as well. There wasn’t anybody putting a bad foot out of line.

“In the third, I definitely felt that I was able to maintain my level a bit better than her. I think that gave me the upper hand in stringing some more points together. I’m just very happy to have come through.”

Konta became the first British woman to reach the final of the tournament since Virginia Wade in 1971.

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals. The Spaniard will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic's clash with Diego Schwartzman on Sunday. Nadal avenged his defeat to the 20-year-old Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open a week ago as he looked to be returning to form ahead of this month’s French Open. The 32-year-old broke Tsitsipas’s serve early in both sets while holding his own service games as he wrapped up victory in one hour 42 minutes. The win keeps Nadal in the hunt for a ninth Italian Open title after he lost at the semi-final stages of his last four tournaments. In the women's singles, Konta came from a set behind to beat Dutch world number four Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 and progress to the final, where she will face qualifier Maria Sakkari or fourth seed Karolina Pliskova. The 28-year-old will contest her second claycourt final of the season, after finishing as runner-up to Sakkari at the Morocco Open, as she heads into this month’s French Open in fine form. Konta lost her momentum after being broken while serving for the first set but fought back by taking the second. She pulled away in the final set, breaking the Madrid Open champion’s serve twice before securing victory on her fourth match point. “After I lost the first set, I mean, I didn’t do much wrong," Konta said. "It was a very good set of tennis. Equally the second set, as well. There wasn’t anybody putting a bad foot out of line. “In the third, I definitely felt that I was able to maintain my level a bit better than her. I think that gave me the upper hand in stringing some more points together. I’m just very happy to have come through.” Konta became the first British woman to reach the final of the tournament since Virginia Wade in 1971.

Rafael Nadal powers into Rome final as Johanna Konta completes comeback win in semis

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215">outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled</a> from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.

The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-and-naomi-osaka-through-to-last-16-219212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9ys6P7qHiAhUVXHwKHcwgCz0QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TN6Ap7x66k7h4ZxdQ3LFp">having earlier beaten Joao Sousa.</a>

Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games.

Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament.&nbsp;

Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out.

The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty.

All that came after the 24-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103">ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast</a>, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday.

Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education.

Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer.

"I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said.&nbsp;

GRITTY COMEBACK

The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak.

The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots.

Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline.

With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall.&nbsp;

"It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be",&nbsp;a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview.&nbsp;

Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total.

The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court.&nbsp;

Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday. The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, having earlier beaten Joao Sousa. Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games. Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament. Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out. The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty. All that came after the 24-year-old ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday. Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education. Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer. "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said. GRITTY COMEBACK The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak. The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots. Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline. With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall. "It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be", a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview. Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total. The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court. Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Italian Open: Federer, Nadal and Djokovic reach last eight, Kyrgios expelled

World number three <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-federer-nadal-and-djokovic-reach-last-eight-kyrgios-expelled-219307&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjiorL2yaLiAhWIuY8KHYakASkQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0fc4AWaz3_r70-1cBggp_y">Roger Federer</a> pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury.

Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015.

"I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today," said Federer.&nbsp;

"I am not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play.

"Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year."

Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek.

The 37-year-old saved two match points to win through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals after earlier easing to a straight sets win over Portgual's Joaa Suosa.

The former world number one had been a late addition to the Rome tournament as he sought clay court practice ahead of his bid to add to his lone &nbsp;French Open title in 2009.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Get well soon, <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/4kKVwDglcP">pic.twitter.com/4kKVwDglcP</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1129357629975875584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.&nbsp;

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury. Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury. Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals. The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today," said Federer. "I am not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play. "Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year." Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek. The 37-year-old saved two match points to win through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals after earlier easing to a straight sets win over Portgual's Joaa Suosa. The former world number one had been a late addition to the Rome tournament as he sought clay court practice ahead of his bid to add to his lone French Open title in 2009. Get well soon, @rogerfederer 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4kKVwDglcP — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 17, 2019 × Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.

Roger Federer out of Italian Open with right leg injury

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-breezes-past-stan-wawrinka-and-into-madrid-open-semi-finals-217751&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLmMe9up_iAhWLto8KHeYwBrQQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2eHmfuOnnrts7xbjBisn-b">Rafa Nada</a>l a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-third-madrid-title-and-33rd-masters-218214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOw42yup_iAhWc6nMBHXsdAkkQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WWp-gQ8oWfQVDqsN8yi5R">world number one Novak Djokovic</a> has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open.

Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the 'No Challenges Remaining'&nbsp;podcast, the 24-year-old also disparaged a number of other top professionals and fans who heckle him at his matches.

Kyrgios has had a tense relationship with Nadal, who accused him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open in March.

World number 36 Kyrgios labelled the French Open champion "super salty" -- slang for someone who is aggressive or ill-humoured -- and only gracious after victory.

"When he wins, it’s fine. He won’t say anything bad, he’ll credit the opponent, ‘He was a great player’. But as soon as I beat him, it’s just like, ‘He has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game’," said Kyrgios.

"It’s not a good look for you, I feel. And then uncle Toni came out saying, 'He lacks education'. I’m like, 'Bra (brother), I did 12 years at school, you idiot. 
"I’m very educated. I understand that you’re upset I beat your family again’."

Turning his sights on another of the game's modern greats, Kyrgios described Djokovic as "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but said the Serb was too desperate to be admired like popular Swiss rival <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dominic-thiem-ousts-roger-federer-in-madrid-open-thriller-to-reach-semis-217625&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLmMe9up_iAhWLto8KHeYwBrQQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iPu7fuhkbe9oNnIgIuVPh">Roger Federer.</a>

"I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," he said.

"For me personally -- I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far -- I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him.

"This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy."

Kyrgios devoted special attention to Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, calling him "the most arrogant person ever".

He spoke warmly of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray but also said the Briton's head-to-head record against Djokovic -- 11-25 in matches and 2-5 in Grand Slam finals -- was "embarrassing".

He gave no apologies for hitting back at spectators who give him a hard time during matches.

"These guys show me no respect. None," he said.

"So why would I show you respect? For instance, when I’m taking matches, I don’t care that you paid for tickets. You guys treat me like crap anyway."

Kyrgios, who has thrilled fans with the purity of his tennis and alienated some by flouting the game's conventions, plays Norway's Casper Ruud in the second round of the Rome Masters later on Thursday.

He will then bid to surpass the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the May 26-June&nbsp;French Open. 
&nbsp;

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded Rafa Nadal a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said world number one Novak Djokovic has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded Rafa Nadal a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said world number one Novak Djokovic has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open. Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the 'No Challenges Remaining' podcast, the 24-year-old also disparaged a number of other top professionals and fans who heckle him at his matches. Kyrgios has had a tense relationship with Nadal, who accused him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open in March. World number 36 Kyrgios labelled the French Open champion "super salty" -- slang for someone who is aggressive or ill-humoured -- and only gracious after victory. "When he wins, it’s fine. He won’t say anything bad, he’ll credit the opponent, ‘He was a great player’. But as soon as I beat him, it’s just like, ‘He has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game’," said Kyrgios. "It’s not a good look for you, I feel. And then uncle Toni came out saying, 'He lacks education'. I’m like, 'Bra (brother), I did 12 years at school, you idiot. "I’m very educated. I understand that you’re upset I beat your family again’." Turning his sights on another of the game's modern greats, Kyrgios described Djokovic as "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but said the Serb was too desperate to be admired like popular Swiss rival Roger Federer. "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," he said. "For me personally -- I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far -- I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him. "This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy." Kyrgios devoted special attention to Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, calling him "the most arrogant person ever". He spoke warmly of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray but also said the Briton's head-to-head record against Djokovic -- 11-25 in matches and 2-5 in Grand Slam finals -- was "embarrassing". He gave no apologies for hitting back at spectators who give him a hard time during matches. "These guys show me no respect. None," he said. "So why would I show you respect? For instance, when I’m taking matches, I don’t care that you paid for tickets. You guys treat me like crap anyway." Kyrgios, who has thrilled fans with the purity of his tennis and alienated some by flouting the game's conventions, plays Norway's Casper Ruud in the second round of the Rome Masters later on Thursday. He will then bid to surpass the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the May 26-June French Open.

Nick Kyrgios calls Novak Djokovic 'cringeworthy', Rafael Nadal 'salty' in candid podcast

Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal as a 33-time Masters champion on Sunday when he swept to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim a third Madrid Open title.

The world number one dominated a clearly exhausted opponent less than 24 hours after the 20-year-old Greek had stunned five-time champion Nadal in a semi-final which ended around midnight on Saturday.

Djokovic and Nadal will now attempt to claim a 34th Masters title in Rome this week in a key indicator ahead of Roland Garros which gets under way on May 26.

Djokovic never let Tsitsipas get into gear in a final which lasted just over 90 minutes.&nbsp;

"This is a very important win for me, especially for my confidence," 15-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic said.

"I was not playing my best after winning the Australia Open but I started this week well, not dropping a set all through. I've played some of my best tennis here."

Tsitsipas, who beat Djokovic in their previous meeting last summer in Canada, was broken once in each set, enough of a margin for the top seed to take the trophy, his second of the season after the Australian Open.

The Serb still needed four match points to get the job done with Tsitsipas finally beaten when Djokovic sent a winning volley into the corner.

Tsitsipas hailed Djokovic who will hold all four Slam titles if he goes on to claim a second French Open next month.

"It's inspiring what you do, simply amazing. You deserve it," the Greek told the Serb.&nbsp;

"You had a great week. It was also a great one for me, with good memories and good crowd support."

Djokovic said he was likely facing an opponent lacking a few physical reserves after a long semi-final struggle with Nadal.

"I needed to step up, Stefanos is very talented. But he finished around midnight -- he had a very late night and a very long match.

"This was a big week for me and I'm looking forward to continuing like this in Rome.&nbsp;

"The Masters 1000s are the biggest ATP events, right alongside the Grand Slams. This is about as important and good as it gets."

Tsitsipas was playing his second Masters 1000 final after losing to Nadal in Toronto last August.

Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal as a 33-time Masters champion on Sunday when he swept to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim a third Madrid Open title.

Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal as a 33-time Masters champion on Sunday when he swept to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim a third Madrid Open title. The world number one dominated a clearly exhausted opponent less than 24 hours after the 20-year-old Greek had stunned five-time champion Nadal in a semi-final which ended around midnight on Saturday. Djokovic and Nadal will now attempt to claim a 34th Masters title in Rome this week in a key indicator ahead of Roland Garros which gets under way on May 26. Djokovic never let Tsitsipas get into gear in a final which lasted just over 90 minutes. "This is a very important win for me, especially for my confidence," 15-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic said. "I was not playing my best after winning the Australia Open but I started this week well, not dropping a set all through. I've played some of my best tennis here." Tsitsipas, who beat Djokovic in their previous meeting last summer in Canada, was broken once in each set, enough of a margin for the top seed to take the trophy, his second of the season after the Australian Open. The Serb still needed four match points to get the job done with Tsitsipas finally beaten when Djokovic sent a winning volley into the corner. Tsitsipas hailed Djokovic who will hold all four Slam titles if he goes on to claim a second French Open next month. "It's inspiring what you do, simply amazing. You deserve it," the Greek told the Serb. "You had a great week. It was also a great one for me, with good memories and good crowd support." Djokovic said he was likely facing an opponent lacking a few physical reserves after a long semi-final struggle with Nadal. "I needed to step up, Stefanos is very talented. But he finished around midnight -- he had a very late night and a very long match. "This was a big week for me and I'm looking forward to continuing like this in Rome. "The Masters 1000s are the biggest ATP events, right alongside the Grand Slams. This is about as important and good as it gets." Tsitsipas was playing his second Masters 1000 final after losing to Nadal in Toronto last August.

Novak Djokovic wins third Madrid title and 33rd Masters

World number one Novak Djokovic automatically progressed to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-survives-match-points-to-beat-gael-monfils-reaches-madrid-open-quarter-finals-217442&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTv7_a7ZDiAhXC63MBHbZsCygQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2pQmCQaHu6npgnztShcv2R">Madrid Open</a> semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic was forced to withdraw because of food poisoning on Friday.

"Dear fans, Madrid Open organisers, Novak Djokovic, I am sorry to announce that I must withdraw from today’s match," said&nbsp;Croatian&nbsp;Cilic on Twitter.

"I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning. I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support", his tweet read.

Djokovic, in his 250th week at the top of the men’s ATP rankings, will face either Roger Federer or Dominic Thiem in the semi-final on Saturday.

The Serbian, who triumphed in the Spanish capital in 2011 and 2016, beat Taylor Fritz and Jeremy Chardy in the second and third rounds.

World number one Novak Djokovic automatically progressed to the Madrid Open semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic was forced to withdraw because of food poisoning on Friday.

World number one Novak Djokovic automatically progressed to the Madrid Open semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic was forced to withdraw because of food poisoning on Friday. "Dear fans, Madrid Open organisers, Novak Djokovic, I am sorry to announce that I must withdraw from today’s match," said Croatian Cilic on Twitter. "I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning. I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support", his tweet read. Djokovic, in his 250th week at the top of the men’s ATP rankings, will face either Roger Federer or Dominic Thiem in the semi-final on Saturday. The Serbian, who triumphed in the Spanish capital in 2011 and 2016, beat Taylor Fritz and Jeremy Chardy in the second and third rounds.

Novak Djokovic reaches Madrid Open semi-finals after Maran Cilic's food poisoning withdrawal

Roger Federer survived two match points against French maverick Gael Monfils to extend his claycourt comeback and reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

He was joined in the last eight by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-beats-felix-auger-aliassime-in-straight-sets-qualifies-for-quarter-finals-at-madrid-open-217224&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik-OX0s5DiAhXEheYKHVGPAwIQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CXvC5FidMaomP_QkG9c_L">five-times Madrid champion Rafael Nadal</a> and world number one Novak Djokovic.

The evergreen Federer did not drop a game in a dominant first set but was dragged into an intense battle by an inspired Monfils before prevailing 6-0, 4-6, 7-6(3).

World number three Federer, playing his first tournament on clay for three years as he prepares for the French Open, surrendered the initiative after his brisk start and was in deep trouble in the third set when he trailed 4-1.

Federer struggled with his timing on occasions in breezy, sunny conditions and swatted a ball angrily over the stands when he dropped serve at the start of the decider.

But the 37-year-old Swiss broke back in the seventh game with a stunning sliced backhand return.

Monfils earned a match point at 5-6 on the Federer serve with an ice-cool backhand pass, but Federer followed in a second serve and bounced away from a smash.

Federer saved another match point to set up a tiebreak and he proved unstoppable as he swept to his 1,200th match win.

Austrian Dominic Thiem, a beaten finalist in Madrid last year, awaits in the next round after he beat Italian Fabio Fognini.

"I think Gael did a nice job of not being frustrated losing the first set.&nbsp;I lost five games in a row and it didn't look good for a while but I hung in. There were some highly stressful moments but I mixed it up nicely",&nbsp;Federer said.

Federer's fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, champion at Roland Garros in 2015, continued to produce some vintage form as he beat Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-3 7-6(3).

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-extends-lead-as-world-no1-fabio-fognini-climbs-rankings-212554&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi77vqctJDiAhVd4HMBHWl_CUYQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vO38gK_1u4IKTw8EezypB">World number one Djokovic</a> was untroubled as he beat Jeremy Chardy 6-1 7-6(2) to set up a clash against Marin Cilic after the Croatian battled past Serbian Laslo Djere 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Spaniard Nadal, who later this month will aim for a 12th French Open, swept past unseeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-4 while defending champion Alexander Zverev defeated Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 6-4 6-4.

 
&nbsp;

Roger Federer survived two match points against French maverick Gael Monfils to extend his claycourt comeback and reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

Roger Federer survived two match points against French maverick Gael Monfils to extend his claycourt comeback and reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday. He was joined in the last eight by five-times Madrid champion Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic. The evergreen Federer did not drop a game in a dominant first set but was dragged into an intense battle by an inspired Monfils before prevailing 6-0, 4-6, 7-6(3). World number three Federer, playing his first tournament on clay for three years as he prepares for the French Open, surrendered the initiative after his brisk start and was in deep trouble in the third set when he trailed 4-1. Federer struggled with his timing on occasions in breezy, sunny conditions and swatted a ball angrily over the stands when he dropped serve at the start of the decider. But the 37-year-old Swiss broke back in the seventh game with a stunning sliced backhand return. Monfils earned a match point at 5-6 on the Federer serve with an ice-cool backhand pass, but Federer followed in a second serve and bounced away from a smash. Federer saved another match point to set up a tiebreak and he proved unstoppable as he swept to his 1,200th match win. Austrian Dominic Thiem, a beaten finalist in Madrid last year, awaits in the next round after he beat Italian Fabio Fognini. "I think Gael did a nice job of not being frustrated losing the first set. I lost five games in a row and it didn't look good for a while but I hung in. There were some highly stressful moments but I mixed it up nicely", Federer said. Federer's fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, champion at Roland Garros in 2015, continued to produce some vintage form as he beat Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-3 7-6(3). World number one Djokovic was untroubled as he beat Jeremy Chardy 6-1 7-6(2) to set up a clash against Marin Cilic after the Croatian battled past Serbian Laslo Djere 4-6 6-3 6-2. Spaniard Nadal, who later this month will aim for a 12th French Open, swept past unseeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-4 while defending champion Alexander Zverev defeated Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 6-4 6-4.

Roger Federer survives match points to beat Gael Monfils; reaches Madrid Open quarter-finals

Novak Djokovic stretched his lead over Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, after the Spaniard's failed bid to win a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title.

Djokovic, winner of the last three Grand Slam tournaments, is now over 3,000 points clear of old rival Nadal despite a quarter-final defeat by Daniil Medvedev in the Principality last week.

World number two Nadal dropped ranking points after his title defence ended with a shock semi-final loss to eventual champion Fabio Fognini.

The 31-year-old Italian reached a career-high ranking of 12th after claiming his maiden Masters trophy with a straight-sets win over unheralded Serbian Dusan Lajovic in Sunday's final.

Fognini jumped six spots to close on the top 10, while Lajovic climbed 24 places to 24th.

ATP top 20

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11,160 pts

2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,085

3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5,770

4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,590

5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,675

6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,115 (+1)

7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3,690 (-1)

8. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,240

9. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 3,225

10. John Isner (USA) 3,085

11. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,845

12. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,840 (+6)

13. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,730 (-1)

14. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,505

15. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,480 (-2)

16. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,050 (-1)

17. Marco Cecchinato (ITA) 2,041 (-1)

18. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,930 (-1)

19. Gael Monfils (FRA) 1,875

20. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 1,820

Novak Djokovic stretched his lead over Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, after the Spaniard's failed bid to win a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title.

Novak Djokovic stretched his lead over Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, after the Spaniard's failed bid to win a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title. Djokovic, winner of the last three Grand Slam tournaments, is now over 3,000 points clear of old rival Nadal despite a quarter-final defeat by Daniil Medvedev in the Principality last week. World number two Nadal dropped ranking points after his title defence ended with a shock semi-final loss to eventual champion Fabio Fognini. The 31-year-old Italian reached a career-high ranking of 12th after claiming his maiden Masters trophy with a straight-sets win over unheralded Serbian Dusan Lajovic in Sunday's final. Fognini jumped six spots to close on the top 10, while Lajovic climbed 24 places to 24th. ATP top 20 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11,160 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,085 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5,770 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,590 5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,675 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,115 (+1) 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3,690 (-1) 8. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,240 9. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 3,225 10. John Isner (USA) 3,085 11. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,845 12. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,840 (+6) 13. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,730 (-1) 14. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,505 15. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,480 (-2) 16. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,050 (-1) 17. Marco Cecchinato (ITA) 2,041 (-1) 18. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,930 (-1) 19. Gael Monfils (FRA) 1,875 20. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 1,820

Novak Djokovic extends lead as world number 1, Fabio Fognini climbs rankings

World number one Novak Djokovic's French Open preparations were dealt with a blow as he suffered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19).

Djokovic, a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, roared back to level the contest after dropping the first set but that did not prevent the 23-year-old Medvedev from claiming the biggest victory of his career.

Medvedev had lost each of his previous three encounters against Djokovic but on this occasion broke his Serbian opponent's serve five times to move into the final four.

Medvedev will next face another Serb, Dusan Lajovic, who followed up his shock win over world number five Dominic Thiem with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Italian qualifier Lorenzo Sonego.

For Djokovic, it was another premature exit from an ATP Masters 1000 event after he crashed out in the early rounds at Indian Wells and Miami last month.

The 31-year-old has struggled for rhythm in his first clay court event of the season and will need step up his game to have a chance of completing a personal sweep at next month's French Open by lifting his fourth straight Grand Slam title.

World number one Novak Djokovic's French Open preparations were dealt with a blow as he suffered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19).

World number one Novak Djokovic's French Open preparations were dealt with a blow as he suffered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19). Djokovic, a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, roared back to level the contest after dropping the first set but that did not prevent the 23-year-old Medvedev from claiming the biggest victory of his career. Medvedev had lost each of his previous three encounters against Djokovic but on this occasion broke his Serbian opponent's serve five times to move into the final four. Medvedev will next face another Serb, Dusan Lajovic, who followed up his shock win over world number five Dominic Thiem with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Italian qualifier Lorenzo Sonego. For Djokovic, it was another premature exit from an ATP Masters 1000 event after he crashed out in the early rounds at Indian Wells and Miami last month. The 31-year-old has struggled for rhythm in his first clay court event of the season and will need step up his game to have a chance of completing a personal sweep at next month's French Open by lifting his fourth straight Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic falls to Daniil Medvedev in Monte Carlo quarters

World number one Novak Djokovic cruised past American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday.

In windy conditions, the 31-year-old Serbian defeated Fritz 6-3 6-0 in one hour and eight minutes.

Djokovic will next play tenth seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia. The 23-year-old defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 1-6 6-4 to reach his first ATP 1000 Masters quarter-final.

World number one Novak Djokovic cruised past American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday. In windy conditions, the 31-year-old Serbian defeated Fritz 6-3 6-0 in one hour and eight minutes.

World number one Novak Djokovic cruised past American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday. In windy conditions, the 31-year-old Serbian defeated Fritz 6-3 6-0 in one hour and eight minutes. Djokovic will next play tenth seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia. The 23-year-old defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 1-6 6-4 to reach his first ATP 1000 Masters quarter-final.

Novak Djokovic cruises into Monte Carlo quarter-finals, Tsitsipas out

World number one Novak Djokovic took out his frustration on the racket in a scrappy performance but did enough to overcome German Philipp Kohlschreiber in a 6-3 4-6 6-4 win in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

The Serb, who received a first-round bye, clinched the first set with penetrating groundstrokes from the baseline but struggled with his serve in the second and serving at 2-3 down was forced to save two break points.

On the third break point opportunity for Kohlschreiber, Djokovic inexplicably hit a backhand volley wide to put his opponent 4-2 ahead.

A furious Djokovic went on to smash his racket three times on the court and was met with a chorus of boos from the spectators.

Two-times winner Djokovic would go on to drop his serve for the fourth time in the set but regained his composure with an early break in the decider.

He maintained the advantage to avenge his Indian Wells second-round defeat by Kohlschreiber last month.

"There were lots of ups and downs. It was not the prettiest of matches," Djokovic, who record his 850th tour-level win, said.

"He played well, but a win is a win. This was a tough first match of the clay season.

"I had to figure out how I needed to move, this kind of match can be expected. It was probably good for me to spend so long on the court."

Argentine Guido Pella knocked out seventh seed Marin Cilic, beating the Croatian 6-3 5-7 6-1.

The defeat left 2014 U.S. Open winner Cilic with just one victory from five matches since January's Australian Open, where he was knocked out in the fourth round.

World number one Novak Djokovic took out his frustration on the racket in a scrappy performance but did enough to overcome German Philipp Kohlschreiber in a 6-3 4-6 6-4 win in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

World number one Novak Djokovic took out his frustration on the racket in a scrappy performance but did enough to overcome German Philipp Kohlschreiber in a 6-3 4-6 6-4 win in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday. The Serb, who received a first-round bye, clinched the first set with penetrating groundstrokes from the baseline but struggled with his serve in the second and serving at 2-3 down was forced to save two break points. On the third break point opportunity for Kohlschreiber, Djokovic inexplicably hit a backhand volley wide to put his opponent 4-2 ahead. A furious Djokovic went on to smash his racket three times on the court and was met with a chorus of boos from the spectators. Two-times winner Djokovic would go on to drop his serve for the fourth time in the set but regained his composure with an early break in the decider. He maintained the advantage to avenge his Indian Wells second-round defeat by Kohlschreiber last month. "There were lots of ups and downs. It was not the prettiest of matches," Djokovic, who record his 850th tour-level win, said. "He played well, but a win is a win. This was a tough first match of the clay season. "I had to figure out how I needed to move, this kind of match can be expected. It was probably good for me to spend so long on the court." Argentine Guido Pella knocked out seventh seed Marin Cilic, beating the Croatian 6-3 5-7 6-1. The defeat left 2014 U.S. Open winner Cilic with just one victory from five matches since January's Australian Open, where he was knocked out in the fourth round.

Novak Djokovic survives Kohlschreiber scare in Monte Carlo

novak-djokovic

Novak Djokovic, News on Novak Djokovic, stories on Novak Djokovic, articles on Novak Djokovic, Novak Djokovic stories at Wion, Novak Djokovic news, Novak Djokovic latest news

novak djokovic