2012 Monte-Carlo Masters: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal Win In Straight Sets, David Ferrer Upset On Day 4

The 2012 Monte-Carlo Masters continued with second-round action on Day 4. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Rafael Nadal were both in play Wednesday, recording straight-set victories to advance to the Round of 16 in Monaco. No. 5 David Ferrer wasn’t so lucky, losing to Thomaz Belluci of Brazil to cut his week short.

Nadal has won seven straight titles coming into this year’s Masters. Jarkko Nieminen of Finland gave the clay-court maestro everything he could handle, however. In the first set, Nadal won his first break point opportunity, but was taken to deuce twice on his own serve before prevailing for a 6-4 win. In the second set, the Spaniard was broken serving for match point. Fortunately for him, Nieminen double-faulted on his next serving opportunity to allow Nadal to advance.

Djokovic had a much easier time with Andreas Seppi of Italy, winning 6-1, 6-4 to advance. He went up 4-0 in the second set before the Italian rallied back to force the set to 5-4. Djokovic was ultimately able to win match point on his serve, however, improving his record to 7-0 all-time over Seppi.

Ferrer has had a solid 2012 so far, but was underwhelming against the 45th-ranked Belluci on Wednesday. The Brazilian was nearly flawless for the match, winning 70 percent of his service points on his way to a 6-3, 6-2 victory. Belluci was not taken to break point once during the match.

No. 16 Alexandr Dolgopolov defeated 19-year-old Australian hopeful Bernard Tomic, and will play Djokovic in the next round. Nadal will face Mikhail Kukushkin, a 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 winner over Filippo Volandri. Belluci will have to face Robin Haase of the Netherlands, a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Fabio Fognini.

You can check out the draw and stay up to date with the latest results at the official site of the 2012 Monte-Carlo Masters.

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