It was a bad day, this Thursday in Monte Carlo. Journalists reporting from the MC Country Club had trouble not to fall victim to a collective depression, judging from their tweets. And I don't mean it in a mocking tone. Their reports and impressions were for real and accurate. I am not (yet) lucky enough to join the nomadic group of Tennis journalists, so I try to follow everything from the distance, via websites, social media and TV. Combined, I had a very good impression of the overwhelming mood in that beautiful place in Monte Carlo: 'Why is all this happening'?
So, what actually happened?
The day started off with a great match. Andy Murray faced local hope Julien Benneteau. A great match with long rallies, which abruptly finished at 5-5, first set, when Benneteau twisted his ankle and broke his elbow. At exactly the same spot where Argentina's Juan Monaco twisted his ankle 2 days ago.
Benneteau, who 2 weeks earlier had tears streaming down his face on the same court when France's Davis Cup captain Guy Forget gave his farewell speech, now cried again, this time in real agony.
After a few minutes, Benneteau tried to continue play, even playing a return with his left hand, but it was impossible.
Benneteau was playing a great match, very aggressively and courageous. Bon retablissement, Ju !!
Just as he was leaving the court, it was reported on Twitter that Novak Djokovic had left his practice court, in tears as well. Within minutes, the whole Tennis world learned that Djokovic's grandfather had passed away. Soon, the fans were assured that the world's best player would play today, and he did. He faced the tricky player Dolgopolov and was obviously absent-minded during the first set, which the Ukrainian won 6-2.
But, you know what they say: A real Champion knows how to win on a bad day. And this was one of the worst possible days. Djokovic has grown into a real Champion over the last 18 months. Just as Sampras did in Australia in 1995, he fought off his tears, his sad thoughts and a difficult opponent to turn around the match and win 2-6 6-1 6-4.
I cannot feel anything but respect and admiration for Djoko's professionalism and resolve. Outstanding.
This sad day was emphasized by recurring rain breaks. Play was suspended a total of 5 (!!!) times today due to short spells of heavy rain. Tsonga/Verdasco were affected as well as Djokovic/Dolgopolov, Simon/Tipsarevic and Haase/Bellucci. Maybe the sky wanted to join the overall sad mood in Monte Carlo.
The weather gods had another surprise in store: When Rafael Nadal and Michail Kukushkin were warming up, a loud thunder shocked the spectators at the Centre Court. Both players stood still for a second, then continued warming up with a big smile. But everyone watching the match was hoping that this would be the last 'message' from the sky.
Let's hope that Friday will be a better day. A lot less rain. A bit less sadness. And hopefully a Centre Court that does not endanger the health of players who are supposed to attract and entertain the crowd.
As Andy Murray said today: "There are holes everywhere".
Not only on the court, but also in the clouds.
Twitter: @AtleticoDave
PS.: To a very good and special friend:
Happy Birthday, Javi !!!
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