MONTE CARLO 2021, 12-18 April. Main thread: Entry List

[Sallydaisy]

MONTE CARLO 2021
ATP 1000, Outdoor Clay, 64 draw, Byes for seeds 1-8.
The Devil Dirt season really kicks off here ...

SINGLES DRAW - and results
Winner: Tsitsipas
Finalist: Rublev
Semi-Finalists: Evans and Ruud
Quarter-Finalists: Goffin, Dav-Fokina, Nadal, Fognini

[1] Djokovic v Bye
Ramolas vSinner
Evans v Lajovic
Q Fabbiano v [13] Hurkacz
[11] Goffin v Cilic
Q Cecchinato v Q Koepfer
Sonego v Fucsovics
Bye v[5] A.Zverev
[4] Tsitsipas v Bye
Karatsev v WC Musetti
Millman v Humbert
FAA v [16] Garin
Q Popyrin [10] Monfils v Andujar
Pella v WC Pouille
Dav-Fokina v DeMinaur
Bye v [8] Berretini
[6] Rublev v Bye
Q Caruso v WC Catarina
Paul v LL Martinez
Fritz v[9] Bautista-Agut
[14] Dimitrov v Struff
Chardy v Bublik
Q Delbonis v Mannarino
Bye v [3] Nadal
[7] Schwartzmann v Bye
WC Rune v Ruud
Khachanov v Djere
Q Travaglia v [12] Carreno-Busta
[15] Fognini v Kecmanovic
Thompson v Paire
Krajinovc v Basilashvili
Bye vLL Londero [2] Medvedev

W: 1000, F: 600, SF: 360, QF: 180, R16: 90, R32: 45 (Seeds 1-8: 10), R64: 10 (WC: 0),

[Sallydaisy]

DOUBLES DRAW - and results

[1] Cabal/Farah v Bye
Auger/Hurckacz v WC Arevodo/Nys
Fognini/Schwartzmann v Marach/Savile
Mannarino/Paire v [6] Koolhof/Kubot
[3] Dodig/Polasek v Bye
Gille/Vliegen v Evans/N.Skupski
DeMinaur/Peers v McLachlan/Klaasen
Melo/Rojer v [5] Ram/Salisbury

[8] Krawietz/Tecau v WC Tsitsipas/Tsitsipas
Garin/Pella v J.Murray/Struff
Chardy/Martin v Khachanov/Rublev
Bye v [4] Granollers/Zeballos
[7] Herbert/Mahut v WC Bolelli/Sinner
Kontinen/ERV v ALT Bublik/Lajovic
ALT Behar/Escobar v Dimitrov/Goffine
Bye v [2] Mektic/Pavic

W: 1000, F: 600, SF: 360, QF: 180, R16: 90, R32: 0

[Sallydaisy]

The Draw ceremony of Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters will be held
on Friday 9th April at 6:30 pm (local time) in the presence of Fabio Fognini, 2019 champion.

[Sallydaisy]

Monte Carlo updates:
OUT: Thiem, Coric
IN: Paul, Davidovich Fokina
Next: Chardy

OUT: Isner
IN: Kyrgios
Next: Paul

OUT: Wawrinka
IN: Gasquet
Next: Kyrgios

[Sallydaisy]

MONTE CARLO - Main Draw

Dan Evans plays Lajovic in R1, Hurkacz in R2 and if he beats those 2
he'll probably face Djokovic in R3.
No problem then ...
:superman::GBflag::jitterbug:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EyjFhabW8AUyEG0?format=jpg&name=large

[Speedy Hawk]

There are FTM for this with Evans.

FTD for Jamie with different partner.

[Sallydaisy]

Brits in Action - Monday 12th April
Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram vs Marceo Melo and Jean-Julien Rojer at 10:00
Dan Evans vs Dusan Lajovic not before 11:30 Amazon Prime Video http://amzn.to/3t6kYzL (https://t.co/BVSu78WDAj?amp=1)

[cazza99]

oop for Monday - https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/monte-carlo/410/daily-schedule?day=3

[RoastLamb]

Good luck Felix!!!

[exislander]

It is raining in Monaco - matches suspended.

[Jane]

It is raining in Monaco - matches suspended.

Yes - just when I was ready to start watching!!! :rolleyes: At least it is a beautiful sunny morning here, but a bit nippy too!!

[exislander]

Court 2 is playing but no others.

[exislander]

Court 2 now suspended.

[Jane]

Covers coming off!!! :cheer: :cheer:

[exislander]

Dan's match about to start.

[Jane]

First set to Dan....6-3 :clap::clap:

[exislander]

Rain again - will they continue?

[RosieBear]

Shame. Dan's game was really unsettling DL - hope the chance to regroup and talk to coaching team doesn't work against Dan.

[cazza99]

oop for Tuesday. Dan's continuation match second on court. https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/monte-carlo/410/daily-schedule?day=4

[exislander]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/56731414

Medvedev out - tested positive for Covid

[Jane]

Dan and Lajovic underway - 1-1

[exislander]

Ram/Salisbury nearing re-start.

[Jane]

On serve in the second set. Dan leads 4-3

Ram and Salisbury lose the first set 4-6

[Jane]

One set all after an 11-13 tb!!!:sad:
Come on Dan :thumbup: :thumbup:

[Jane]

Dan leads 3 -0 in the third set :)

[exislander]

Ram/Salisbury won 4-6 6-1 10-8.

[JAMES4578]

Dan missed overhead on first match point in breaker, however appears to be in control of the 3rd - 2 breaks up!

[Jane]

Finally - Dan wins 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, great stuff, but quite a battle. :cheer::cheer::clap::clap: :GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Well Dan got there in the end,well done!

[RosieBear]

Really fantastic win for Dan over recent finalist Lajovic! My heart sank in the tb with the missed overhead mp, especially after some tough losses, but real grit in the 3rd. He's such a fun, almost incongruous combo of super elegant, graceful game and scrapper attitude. :bravo: Dan.

[themass15]

Good win by Dan, pleased Tsitipas won easily too

[Jane]

Dan and Neal have arrived on court for their doubles match, but I can't find a stream :sad:

[exislander]

Physio evaluating Dan - before match even started!

[exislander]

It has started now - but maybe there are no cameras on Court 13?

[exislander]

Dan/Neal take set 1 tiebreak 7-5

[Jane]

First set to Dan and Neal....7-6 :thumbup:
LS not too good - had to keep refreshing the page. Surely that is not normal

[exislander]

Second set 3-6 so MTB time!
Phew! It only took them 7 match points to win 10-8! Well done lads!

[Jane]

Dan and Neal win the mtb 10 - 8 and therefore the match. Well done, guys :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :GBflag:

[cazza99]

oop for Wednesday - https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/monte-carlo/410/daily-schedule?day=5

[exislander]

Dan and Hubert are warming up now.

[Jane]

First set to Dan...6-4:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[exislander]

A break and a hold for Dan 6-4. Hubert not looking well but not called for trainer.

[JAMES4578]

Dan certainly impressing but Hubert ailing, Evans with double break in 2nd at 3-0.

[Jane]

Dan gets the win...6-4, 6-1... Well done!! :yahoo: :yahoo: :GBflag:

[Jan]

:cheer::cheer:

[RosieBear]

Well done Dan :clap: Hubi began to look a bit green around the gills and something clearly wrong in the 2nd so credit to him for playing on but take nothing from Dan who is looking superb on the clay. His match against Novak will be fun :excited:

[patlowe]

Dan in impressive good form today, despite Hubie seemingly unwell. Well done Dan. :clap::clap:

[themass15]

Well done to Dan today and good luck for tomorrow!

[exislander]

Ram/Salisbury lost 7-6(1) 3-6 5-10. Joe had a ball abuse violation a few points from the end.

[exislander]

Dan is second singles match on main court with doubles later on Court 2 Thursday.

[Jane]

Dan and Novak on court - Dan wins the toss and will receive. Best of luck , Dan :thumbup: :thumbup:

[exislander]

Wow, 2-0 before I had realised it was on!

[Jane]

3 - 0 Go Dan!!!

[Jan]

I took a screen shot of that score! Would love to think that Dan could keep this up, but I reckon Djoko will figure him out eventually. Would also love to be wrong!

[Jane]

Dan breaks back 5-4

[JAMES4578]

Bit of a revelation here but can Dan maintain this level, 2 points away from the 1st set!

[Jane]

First set to Dan...6-4:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Dan takes the first set 6'4.
:jitterbug:

[Jan]

:cheer::cheer:

[JAMES4578]

Amazing from Dan,though will Djokovic respond-early part of 2nd important.

suppose to be expected, Nole stepping up but a few unfotunate errors from Dan and down 3-0. However another momentum shift as Dan breaks back for 2-3!

[exislander]

Who would have expected a few years ago - Dan Evans looking like he is enjoying himself on a clay court!

[Jane]

3 - 3

[Jane]

Dan to serve for the match at 6-5 in the second set.

[Hawkeye]

Way to go Evo!

He wins 6-4 7-5!

Goffin beats Zverev too, and they face each other in the quarters.

[Jane]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo: Dan wins!!!

[Teresa]

Blinking heck. I am still at 5:5.

Well done Dan.

[exislander]

Unbelievable Dan!!!!!!

Still in doubles too.

[JAMES4578]

An incredible win, well done Dan!:cheer::cheer: Maybe not the best of Djokovic but some sublime tennis from Evans!

[themass15]

Brilliant by Dan, I take my hat off to him!

[patlowe]

Amazing win for Dan. I hope we don't start hearing the Djoko not at his best comments, cos Dan simply outfoxed him with his stunning variation and gutsy play. Interesting that Dan said in his interview that Djoko keeping him waiting in the locker room prior to the match fired him up!! Go Dan! :clap::clap:

[patlowe]

An incredible win, well done Dan!:cheer::cheer: Maybe not the best of Djokovic but some sublime tennis from Evans!

Sorry James! I posted before I read the other posts. But I really think Dan made Djoko look not at his best by bamboozling him somewhat.

[Genbrit]

Thoroughly enjoyed that!!! :dance:
Had a feeling Dan could do it and should have gone with my gut in FTM!!! :doh:
Well worth setting my alarm and getting up early for. :cuppa:
Well done Dan. :cheer::clap::bravo:

[Sallydaisy]

Excellent Evo!!!
:GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Sorry James! I posted before I read the other posts. But I really think Dan made Djoko look not at his best by bamboozling him somewhat.


Yes to a degree , however as Dan himself said Djokovic gave away more free points that would have been expected.

[RosieBear]

Amazing win for Dan, in the history books for all time. I'm absolutely thrilled for him. Serious bragging rights and will add to his growing lockerroom rep.

And isn't it fantastic to see a player like Dan get huge wins - variation and flair isn't indulgence at the expense of results - here's hoping more players try and play with a bit more variety. A joy to watch.

[suttontennis]

April 2017, Dan gets a 1 year ban from Tennis, drops to World no.1195 in the world. He rededicates himself to Tennis, starts playing again in April 2018, reaches his first final in 2019, wins his first title in 2021, and now ranked no.33 in the world beats the normally unbeatable world no.1 on Dan's least favoured surface. Quite a journey.

[Jane]

Dan and Neal arrive on court for their doubles match against the No 3 seeds Dodig and Polasek.

[cazza99]

Wow. Well done Dan. Forgot it was on this afternoon. And Nole was on home ground too. :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Jan]

Stunning result :bravo:

[Jane]

One set all - mtb time :sofa:

Come on Dan and Neal :thumbup: :thumbup:

[Sallydaisy]

Argh 8-8, from 8-6.
They need to break!

[Sallydaisy]

9-9, match point saved

[Sallydaisy]

GSM Dan and Neal.
What a day for Evo.
:GBflag:

[exislander]

What a win for Dan/Neal! Brilliant!

[Jan]

Fabulous!!!

[Jane]

Dan and Neil get the win 13-11 in the mtb wow!!:cheer::cheer::cheer::GBflag::GBflag:

[RosieBear]

What a phenomenal win - what play by Evo to save the mps, then stunning by Neal to set up then take it. Dream day for Dan. Confidence is a wonderful thing - long may it continue.

[JAMES4578]

Very tight but another great win for Dan along with Neal, well done!

[Teresa]

Dan isn’t taking any prisoners today is he?

Well done to Dan and Neal.

[banskogirl]

Oh Dan what a day!

:GBflag: 2 wins, Brilliant!

I've only seen the first one but that was enough :cheer: amazing against Nole AND on clay.
Great interview afterwards with Tim, great banter!

Tim's best sport is golf :rolling:

[RoastLamb]

Must say does Dan ever run out of energy??? He's incredible!

[Sallydaisy]

Must say does Dan ever run out of energy??? He's incredible!
Duracell Dan.
:shades:

[Hawkeye]

Evo-Ready...

[cazza99]

Dan second on on Friday in singles.

oop for Friday - https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/monte-carlo/410/daily-schedule?day=7

[Stell]

When I read he'd won, I was so pleased for him. But, Novak did admit that he played poorly.

[exislander]

Tsitsipas only had to win one set - opponent retired - to go through so Dan will be on soon.

[Jane]

On court now. Best of luck, Dan :thumbup::thumbup:

[Jane]

Dan holds, making it 2-0

[Jane]

5-5

[Jane]

First set to Goffin 7-5

[JAMES4578]

Disappointing as Dan somewhat lost the initiative there from a 5-3 lead, however Goffin found a bit extra. Hopefully Evans can regroup in the 2nd and he does leading 3-1 thus far!

[Jane]

One set all. Lets go Dan :thumbup: :thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Dan certainly kept pressure on and Goffin has become a bit wayward, still all to play for though!

[Hawkeye]

All square in the decider, and that's the ladies about to start...

[Hawkeye]

Dan at 5-4*...

[Jane]

Dan wins:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer: Fantastic tennis!!!

[exislander]

Brilliant Dan - again!!!!

[JAMES4578]

Certanly tough final set and Dan was so gutsy in coming through a few tight games and breaking at the end, well done!:cheer:

[RosieBear]

Brilliant Dan! How lovely he can carry on his run rather than just get Djoko out the way for others. I adore Goffin, he can find the lines like nobody else but Dan rock solid on big points - saved 15 out of 17 bps. His confidence and boldness made the difference today. Keep going Dan the man :cheer:

[Jan]

Amazing!!!!! :bravo::GBflag:

[themass15]

Unbelievable by Dan, bring it on!

[Jane]

Dan and Neal on court for their doubles match. Good luck, guys :thumbup: :thumbup: :GBflag:

[cazza99]

oop for Saturday -https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/monte-carlo/410/daily-schedule?day=8

Dan vs Tsitsipas on not before 12.30 UK time.

[JAMES4578]

Bit of a slow start, Klassen/McLachlan take first 6-1, come on Dan/Neal!

[exislander]

They never really got going in first set but much better in second - 4-3 with serve so far.

[Jane]

Wish Dan looked a bit happier

[JAMES4578]

Dan/Neal up 5-4 in the 2nd, come on! Meanwhile Rublev has taken the 1st from Nadal 6-2!

[exislander]

4 set points came and went!

[JAMES4578]

Somewhat frustrating, hope they can take chances in the breaker! Dan/Neal take it 7-5 and now into the match breaker!

[exislander]

Yes Dan! He must be tired but still in there.

[Jane]

One set all - great recovery guys,
mtb time :sofa:

[Teresa]

1 set all.

Not sure I actually want him to win. His energies are needed elsewhere.

[Jane]

Wow - fantastic win!! :cheer::cheer::cheer::GBflag::GBflag:

[exislander]

Great tiebreak 10-4! 2 semis tomorrow!

[RosieBear]

Dan and Neal overcome a slow start very impressively. Dan into both semis - not bad for a day's work :clap:

[JAMES4578]

Dan/Neal got there in the end , great fightback and superb start to the breaker which made it more comfortable- well done!:cheer::cheer:

[Jan]

:superman::superman:

[JAMES4578]

Rublev had numerous chances for double break but faltered , even if Nadal came up with a few great points under pressure. Rafa wins 4 consecutive games to take the 2nd 6-4. However Nadal has not taken advantage and a bit surprisingly Rublev now does have a double break at 4-1 in the 3rd.

Rublev takes out Nadal 6-2 in the 3rd, well done Andrey:clap: Great win, even if Nadal not in best form.

[RosieBear]

Wow. Not the 3rd set I was expecting after Rafa wangled the 2nd. Well done Andrey :clap: I feel surprising sad for Rafa - he's much easier to warm to when he's not bludgeoning opponents.

[banskogirl]

Super Dan! :bravo: brilliant match, some gorgeous tennis:cheer:

Exciting days!

[banskogirl]

Wow. Not the 3rd set I was expecting after Rafa wangled the 2nd. Well done Andrey :clap: I feel surprising sad for Rafa - he's much easier to warm to when he's not bludgeoning opponents.

I love Rafa but was really pleased for Rublev. He always looks so miserable, he brings out the mummy in me!

[Sallydaisy]

Dan and Neal overcome a slow start very impressively. Dan into both semis - not bad for a day's work :clap:
Dantastic!

[pabbers]

Loved the way Dan was urging them on.

[exislander]

Dan has to save break points in his first service game but holds with a lob.

Broken next time - but breaks straight back!

[Jane]

Dan breaks back 2-3

[JAMES4578]

Dan right back on track, though not the best game from Stefanos- come on!

[Sallydaisy]

Nice one Evo!
Hope he has enough in the tank for this, ST has had a less tiring few rounds.

[JAMES4578]

unfortunately Dan broken again and Stefanos capitalises this time, 5-2.

[Jane]

2-6 :sad:

[JAMES4578]

oh well fairly comfortable for Tsitsipas really in the first, hopefully Dan can regroup.

[exislander]

Ah, Tsitsipas just too good!

[JAMES4578]

Tsitsipas in superb form and now up 4-1 in 2nd, however think Dan a bit jaded.

[Jane]

Aw - poor Dan, but magnificent effort getting this far. Hope he gets a better result in the doubles.

[Teresa]

A shame, but an incredible week for Dan. Well done to him. He got further than Djokovic and Nadal......!!!

[RosieBear]

Horrible match up for Dan. Stefanos is like a bigger, stronger version of Dan so Evo can't disrupt him the way he can less varied players. Shame for Dan, but a masters semi final is a wonderful achievement. Hope Stefanos goes all the way but think it will be Rublev.

[JAMES4578]

A pity Dan could not be more competitive but possibly a match too far and Stefanos was very much in the zone today. Does not seem to be a great match up for Evans anyway. Obviously still had a great run, hopefully can do better in the Doubles.

[banskogirl]

Very hard work for Dan but he’s now up to 26 in the world and I hope he feels very proud of himself :clap:

[themass15]

Good effort by Dan but not to be. Let's hope Stef can get the W tomorrow!

[Jane]

Dan and Neal playing Cabal and Farah - leading 3-2. Good luck, guys :thumbup:

[Jane]

5-4

[JAMES4578]

Dan/Neal done well to recover from 0-2 but could not find the breakthrough there, 5 all.

[Jane]

tb time

[Jane]

First set to the Brits - 7-6 :GBflag: (7-0 in tb):cheer::cheer:

[exislander]

They are so good at tiebreaks!

[JAMES4578]

They certainly outplayed Cabal/Farah in the breaker, 7-0! Hopefully Dan/Neal keep it going!

[JAMES4578]

A few breaks in the 2nd but Dan/Neal curently down 4-2, come on!

[Jane]

One set all - mtb time :sofa:

[JAMES4578]

Went a bit awry, however hopefully Dan/Neal step up again in match breaker!

[Sallydaisy]

Dan/Neal appear to be a break up?
Cabal/Farah just served and held for 4-5.

Skupski to serve, needs to hold 2 to stay ahead!

[Sallydaisy]

Ooops, smashed racquet time for Farah!

EvoSkup hold 2 and they're 7-4 in the MTB.

[Sallydaisy]

Cracker of a return by Neal to get another break of serve.
Cabal/Farah have another serve to come at *4-8
And a huge roar from Dan after a forehand topspin lob gives the Brits 5 match points.

Evo to serve for the match at *9-4

[Sallydaisy]

Dan and Neal win, through to the Final...
:yahoo:

7'6(0), 2'6, 10'4

They'll play Mektic/Pavic in the Final (to whom they lost in Miami a couple of weeks ago).

[Jane]

Brilliant!!! Well done, guys - into the final:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

[exislander]

Oh Dan lob terrific! Well done guys!

[JAMES4578]

Amother great win this time taking out top seeds Cabal/farah 10-4 in match breaker, well done Dan and Neal !:clap::clap:

[RosieBear]

Stunning! They gel perfectly, Neal's electric returns, Dan the volley king; white hot on lobs too but Andy willl always be king of those. Hope they can get some revenge on the Croatians tomorrow - certainly riding high on confidence. Go Evoski :cheer:

[Genbrit]

Well Done Dan & Neal. :cheer:

On Tennis Channel they were saying that during a break in the second set Dan talked to the Referee/Tournament Director?? about a suspicion of Cabal/Farah's coach feeding them their signals at a specific point in the match. Commentators couldn't be sure thats what it was but he definitely spoke to him about something.

Did anyone see/hear that?

[themass15]

Terrific for them, hope they can get the W tomorrow.

[cazza99]

Well Done Dan & Neal. :cheer:

On Tennis Channel they were saying that during a break in the second set Dan talked to the Referee/Tournament Director?? about a suspicion of Cabal/Farah's coach feeding them their signals at a specific point in the match. Commentators couldn't be sure thats what it was but he definitely spoke to him about something.

Did anyone see/hear that?

Didn't hear UK commies say anything about that.

[cazza99]

oop for Sunday - https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/monte-carlo/410/daily-schedule

Dan and Neal first on at 11.00 UK time. Final 1.30 pm UK time.

[Sallydaisy]

Dan and Neal first on at 11.00 UK time. Final 1.30 pm UK time.
I hope they can turn the tables on Mektic/Pavic after that loss in Miami a couple of weeks ago.
:pirate::shades::superman:

[banskogirl]

A brilliant win and great tennis to watch :)

Bring on tomorrow's! Revenge is always a good incentive :yahoo:

Go guys :cheer:

[Jane]

Players arrive on court. All the very best of luck to Dan and Neal. :thumbup: :thumbup: :GBflag:

[Jane]

From being 0-3 down it is now 3-3 :)

[Jane]

Lost the first set 3-6 :sad:

[Jane]

2-2 in the second set. Come on guys!!:thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Proving fairly tough against Mektic/Pavic thus far again, however great low dipping return from Dan and they break back for 2 all in the 2nd. Hopefully can keep momentum going this time. Save 3 bps in taking deciding point for 3-2!

[Sallydaisy]

The Brits held for 3-2.
:thumbup:

[Sallydaisy]

Oooh, 0-30 on the Mektic serve.
Pegged to 30 all ... *40-30

And hold for 3-3. All on serve.
All of them have had their serves broken so it could go any road up from here.
;)

[Sallydaisy]

Neal serving, could do with a quick hold to keep their confidence up.
*15-0, 15-15, 30-15, 40-15 and ... HOLD for 4-3.
A break and hold would be rather good now ...
:shades:

[Sallydaisy]

Pavic *15-0, 15-15, 30-15, 30-30, 40-30 and they hold for 4-4.
Dan to serve next. Getting to the dodgy end of the set (and match!)

[Sallydaisy]

Uh oh, the Croats are really going for it.
*0-15, 15-15, 15-30, 30-30, 30-40 ... deuce .... and they HOLD!!!

It ain't over until the fat lady sings. That'll rile the Croats.

Dan & Neal looking a little more lively now so maybe they can break and at least force a CTB?

[Jane]

One set all:thumbup:

mtb time :sofa:

[Sallydaisy]

Mektic to serve to stay in the 2nd set.
*0-15, 15-15, 15-30, 30-30, 30-40 ... oooooohhh can they break for the set?

Yesssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6-4 to the Brits.

[Jan]

Come on :superman:

[JAMES4578]

The Brits looked up against it in that 4 all game but held firm and turned it on, hopefully can have another great mtb!

[Sallydaisy]

CTB for the Monte Carlo Title. Evo to serve.

*1-0, Neal quick with the put away at the net off Dans' 2nd serve.
1-1*
1-2* Perfect lob from Neal ... who is next to serve, hope he holds his nerve!
*2-2 mini-break taken back ...
*3-2 all on serve again
3-3*

Neither team has lost a CTB this year ...

[Sallydaisy]

3-4* and the Croats hold, all still on serve. Dan must hold.
*4-4
*4-5 and finally the Croats have a mini-break. C'mon Brits!!!
:GBflag:

5-5* and there's the break back after a DF from Pavic. Another one please?
:shades:

5-6* and there it is!!! The Brits have edged ahead ... Neal needs to hold both his serves!

*6-6

[Sallydaisy]

All on serve again after the Croats snuff out the Brit advantage.
Neal must hold his next serve and then they can try to get a break or two against Mektic.
It's rather tense out there ...

*7-6 well done Brits, keep that play going!

[Sallydaisy]

7-7*
7-8* So, now we're at the business end. Dan MUST hold both his serves.
*7-9 and 2 match points to the Croats.
*7-10 Mektic when it mattered.

A 5th title for Mektic/Pavic this year winning 6'3, 4'6, 10'7

:sad:

[exislander]

Ah, they were so close! But still a great week for Dan/Neal.

[Jane]

Sad they lost, but wonderful effort getting to the final. :clap::clap:

[Sallydaisy]

So close for Dan and Neal, they have really acquitted themselves very well.
They're already looking like a good 'team' so the doubles locker room won't
want to come up against them anytime soon.

[JAMES4578]

what a pity, certainly good effort from Dan/Neal but Mektic/Pavic just had a bit extra in the match breaker. It did ebb and flow though, had The Brits won that 6-5 point it might have been different . Still obviously great tournament from Evans/Skupskih

[Sallydaisy]

Tsitsipas takes the first set 6'3 against Rublev in the MC Final.

[JAMES4578]

Tsitsipas got off to a strong start and has thus far kept Rublev under pressure Now up a break in the 2nd at 3-2, would like to see him Stefanos with his first Masters!

[Sallydaisy]

Tsitsipas wins his first Masters 1000 title 6'3 6'3 against Rublev.
:trophy:

[JAMES4578]

it turned out to be farly comfortable for Tsitsipas, well done!:cheer::cheer: Rublev did not really have an answer today but still had a good run.

[RosieBear]

The underdogs Dan and Neal did themselves proud :clap: I agree with James, if they could have played a strong point after Pavic's df in the mtb things might have gone their way but they couldn't capitalise - not to be today but another magnificent run.

Really pleased for Stefanos. After his performance against Rafa a thought Rublev might edge it, but happily Stefanos's stylish and versatile game prevailed :trophy:

[themass15]

So pleased Stef won!!!