Australian Open 2018: Djokovic beats Monfils in ‘brutal’ Melbourne heat

Six-time champion Novak Djokovic came back from a set down to beat Gael Monfils as the temperature hit 39C at the Australian Open.

Monfils took the first set but began to suffer in the second, complaining of feeling dizzy and leaving the court with a doctor.

The Frenchman returned to Rod Laver Arena but could not stop Djokovic coming through 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-3.
The temperature is forecast to exceed 40C in Melbourne on Friday.

“It was obvious that we both suffered on the court today,” said Djokovic. “Really tough conditions, brutal, especially for the first hour and a half.”
With the temperature peaking at 17:00 local time, the pair entered the arena mid-afternoon and played through the worst of the heat.



Djokovic could not have asked for a more punishing examination of his fitness after six months out with an elbow injury.

Asked afterwards about his elbow, Djokovic said: “It’s still not 100%, but building.”

Seeded 14th after sliding down the rankings during his lay-off and with a new service action to take pressure off his elbow, he found himself up against an in-form Monfils hopeful of finally beating the Serb at the 15th attempt.

The former world number one began poorly, making four double faults in the opening two games as he fell a double-break down at 3-0, but the set was far from over.

Also, British number one Johanna Konta suffered a shock defeat by world number 123 Bernarda Pera and Garbine Muguruza was beaten in straight sets by world number 88 Hsieh Su-Wei.

Source:BBC