World number one Rafa Nadal launched his bid for an 11th Monte Carlo Masters title with a 6-1 6-3 second-round victory over Slovenia’s Alijaz Bedene as Novak Djokovic overcame a late wobble to see off Borna Coric on April 18 (local time).
Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his second round match against Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene, ATP Monte Carlo Masters, Monaco, April 18. (Photo: Reuters)
Nadal breezed through the opener, bringing up set point with a trademark curling forehand before sealing the set with a deft drop shot.
Bedene, ranked 58th in the world, put up a stiffer fight in the second set, holding serve until the sixth game before Nadal broke twice in succession to seal a convincing victory in an hour and 17 minutes.
The Spaniard, who is chasing a record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title, will take on Russian Karen Khachanov in the last 16.
Djokovic squandered nine match points before clinching a 7-6(2) 7-5 second-round victory over Coric.
The Croatian saved two match points while trailing 5-3 in the second set and recovered from 40-0 down on Djokovic’s serve before saving four match points in an epic 10th game.
Djokovic, who has twice won the Monte Carlo title, broke back immediately before claiming victory on his 10th match point to set up a third-round clash with fifth seed Dominic Thiem.
Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who missed a large part of last season with a wrist injury, looked sharp as he beat Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2 to record his sixth competitive win of the year.
World number three Marin Cilic booked a last-16 spot with a 6-3 7-6(4) win victory over Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco.
Source: NDO
On March 23rd, in Mai Chau district, 5 competition distances of Vietnam Ultra Marathon in 2024 (Vietnam Ultra Marathon 2024 - VUM 2024) organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mai Chau District’s People's Committee, Co., Ltd. Phu Thinh (Topas Travel) took place. This is the latest running race in the Topas Vietnam Trail Series and was held in Mai Chau district for the first time.
From March 21st – 23rd, the Department of Education and Training organized the Badminton - Table Tennis Tournament for students in Hoa Binh province in 2024.
The continuous sound of drums and the constant cheers of the viewers at each competition, the match have shown the appeal of the folk games. Having the opportunity to come to the festivals in Hoa Binh, visitors will be fascinated by the form of entertainment containing good traditional cultural values.
In two days, March 3rd – 4th, the Women's Union of Hoa Binh city coordinated with the Center for Culture, Sports and Information of the city to organize the 1st Women's Steam Volleyball Tournament in Hoa Binh in 2024.
Since early 2024, high-achievement sports athletes have received intensive training in preparation for provincial and national tournaments this year.
Whenever Tet holiday and Spring comes, people of all ethnic groups in Hoa Binh province join in the vibrant atmosphere of exchange activities and sports competitions. In which, traditional sports have become indispensable "spiritual food” for many people. Thereby contributing to creating a joyful and bustling atmosphere in the first days of the new year, strengthening solidarity and community attachment, enhancing cultural and spiritual life, and improving people's health...