Djokovic wins through

Monte Carlo is one of the three ATP Masters 1000 events currently on the calendar Djokovic has never won, along with Cincinnati and Shanghai, but the Serb sealed his progression with a fine win after losing the opening set.

Dolgopolov had lost seven of his last 13 matches coming into Monte Carlo and, despite back-to-back wins at the start of the tournament, the Ukrainian will be disappointed at leaving Monte Carlo prematurely after making such a promising start.

The match was played in very difficult circumstances for the world number one, whose grandfather passed away on the morning of the match, and the Serb was left very emotional as he left the court in tears after clinching victory.

It was a stunning start from the 16th seed, who broke the top seed’s serve in the third game of the match with an inspired and brutal assault on his opponent’s delivery as he seized the initiative.

Dolgopolov continued to go from strength to strength as Djokovic looked very subdued at the other end, and he capitalised ruthlessly once more as the Serb faltered on serve.

The Ukrainian found two blistering forehand winners as he broke serve clinically to lead 5-2, and a composed hold followed as he closed out the opening set in impressive fashion.

But Djokovic was quick to redress the balance, and he forced a break of serve as early as the second game as Dolgopolov was overpowered by a number of crushing blows from midcourt.

Djokovic always looked in complete control of the second set, and he broke for a second time in the sixth game before holding to close it out and level up the match with play more recognisable of the top seed.

Just two games of the third set were completed before another heavy shower brought an abrupt end to proceedings, and the disappointed players trudged off with Djokovic particularly frustrated, having finally found a good rhythm on serve.

When the pair eventually returned with the rain having ceased, a tense and closely-fought final set ensued with a series of stunning rallies enthralling the patient Monte Carlo crowd.

But Djokovic found the elusive break at the crucial point in the set at 4-4 to demolish the Dolgopolov serve with a barrage of brilliant groundstrokes from the back of the court.

The top seed served out for the win in composed fashion and duly departed Central Court in tears after raising his eyes to the sky, clearly very emotional.

Djokovic will next face Dutchman Robin Haase in the last eight of the first clay-court tournament of the season after he swept aside Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil 6-2 6-3, with a potential clash with Andy Murray to follow in the semi-finals.