Djokovic through in Monte Carlo Masters

MONTE CARLO, Monaco: Top seed Novak Djokovic passed another test on his suspect right ankle when he posted a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over Juan Monaco to join eight-time champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic will next take on Finn Jarkko Nieminen who spent two and a half hours in knocking out Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) to reach only his third clay quarter-final since 2006.

Djokovic played the role of ironman for a second day in succession as he overcame the ankle problem which had threatened to keep him from the event.

The Serb laboured through a second comeback in 24 hours to beat Monaco in just over two hours, with 25 winners and 45 unforced errors.

"It was another great fight, I'm trying to take it day by day," said Djokovic.

"I didn't know what to expect on court as I didn't feel so fresh this morning.

"But I managed to come back, it was a good win for me on clay against a
good player. I tried to keep the points as short as possible and I served well when I needed to.

"I'm feeling better on my ankle. This was a great struggle and I'm glad to win it."

Unpredictable Italian Fabio Fognini sprung a surprise on fourth seed Tomas Berdych, dismissing the Czech 6-4, 6-2. French sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga thrilled his home fans as he overwhelmed Austrian Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-0. (AFP)