Alex de Minaur takes crack at Novak Djokovic as Daniil Medvedev melts down again

Alex de Minaur has set up a mouthwatering clash with Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters after becoming the first Aussie man to reach the final eight in 25 years. Djokovic will be playing his 10th quarter-final at the prestigious clay-court event, but for de Minaur it will be his first.

After getting past fellow Aussie Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-4, de Minaur became the first Australian man to reach the quarters in Monte Carlo since Mark Philippoussis in 1999. It also means de Minaur has the chance to beat Djokovic for the second time this year after he took down the World No.1 at the United Cup in January.

De Minaur and Popyrin had shared wins in their previous two encounters, but the Aussie No.1 produced an excellent performance on Thursday (local time). De Minaur made just three unforced errors and broke Popyrin's serve four times.

Djokovic didn't look to be at his best but was still able to avenge his loss to Lorenzo Musetti in Monte Carlo last year, beating the Italian 7-5 6-3. The World No.1, who lost to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, is still seeking his first title of 2024.

Playing his first tournament since splitting with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic, Djokovic was outplayed early against Musetti but managed to raise his game when most needed it. The Serbian star converted five of his six break points throughout the match, and used some backlash from the crowd to fire him up.

Some in the Court Rainier III crowd gave Djokovic the bird when he complained about a line call, and he sarcastically conducted them with a smile as they booed him. "The little exchange with the crowd was the turning point. Ever since then, I started to gain momentum, I think he dropped his level and focus a little bit," Djokovic said. "I don't think I am still at my top level but it was a great test today against a great player. I am really glad to overcome the challenge and look forward to the next one."

Daniil Medvedev melts down again at Monte Carlo Masters

Elsewhere, Daniil Medvedev blew up at the officials for the second match running as he lost to Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-5. The Russian was hit with a point penalty in the final game of the match after berating chair umpire Carlos Bernardes.

He was then involved in a heated discussion with the tournament supervisor, after he'd already been warned for hurling his racquet in disgust after a double fault. Medvedev had taken issue with two line calls in his second-round match on Wednesday, and once again felt aggrieved on Thursday when a forehand from Khachanov was not called out during a rally that resulted in the latter earning two break points at 5-5.

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In bizarre scenes, Medvedev was left fuming when the physio came out on court despite him not asking for any treatment. "Did I ask for the physio!?" Medvedev screamed at the umpire.

He then asked the supervisor "who will take responsibility?" for the controversial calls, saying: "It's second day in a row. Guys, open your eyes. Do something. It's out.

"The mark is out. They don't know how to referee anymore. Who will take action? Yesterday the ball is out, it's called in. Who will take action. This ball is out there. Who will take responsibility? It's not my responsibility to referee the matches.

"It's this guy in the glasses (the line judge). He doesn't need glasses because he doesn't see anything. He should not be a referee."

with agencies