Friday 17 April 2015 19:55, UK
Novak Djokovic powered into the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a dominant win over Marin Cilic.
The world No 1 brushed aside Cilic after a blistering start, completing a 6-0 6-3 victory as he stayed on course for a possible clash with Rafael Nadal in the last four of the clay-court tournament.
Within a few minutes, Djokovic had already stamped his authority on the match as the Croatian was staring at three break points and conceded the second with a limp backhand.
The Serb preserved his own serve with ease, landing an exquisite drop shot, and then continued to torment Cilic, who sent a forehand into the net to surrender another break.
Djokovic utilised his thundering forehand to pile up more points and just 23 minutes had passed on the clock when he wrapped up the opener.
Seizing a break in the second, Djokovic appeared ready to inflict a double-bagel defeat, but Cilic received sympathetic cheers as he finally registered a game at 2-1.
Cilic only delayed the inevitable and was granted only two more games before Djokovic sealed his progress with a second break.
"The first set went completely my way. I knew he was going to start to change some things in his game so he can start to play a little bit better," said Djokovic.
"But I made a crucial break in the beginning of the second, as well. So the first eight games were really fantastic. I tried to keep it up.
"All in all, it was probably the best match I've played so far in the tournament. That's what I want, what I wish for in this moment.
"Obviously the amount of matches that I won this year has helped boost my confidence level, helped me to feel good at this tournament and continue on with good performances."
Gael Monfils claimed a career-first semi-final spot after an impressive 6-1 6-3 victory over Grigor Dimitrov.
The Frenchman will next face Tomas Berdych, who advanced after opponent Milos Raonic retired with a right foot injury.
Watch the climax of the Monte Carlo Masters on Sky Sports 5 HD on Saturday and Sky Sports 4 HD on Sunday.
