Novak Djokovic showcased resilience to secure a quarter-final berth at the Monte Carlo Masters, overcoming Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, while Daniil Medvedev’s fiery outburst marred his defeat against Karen Khachanov.

Despite a shaky start, world number one Djokovic rallied to defeat Musetti 7-5, 6-3, avenging his loss to the Italian at the same stage last year.

Reflecting on the match, Djokovic acknowledged the challenge posed by Musetti and expressed determination to elevate his performance in the upcoming rounds.

“I don’t think I am still at my top level but it was a great test today against a great player, a very talented player,” Djokovic said.

“I am really glad to overcome the challenge and look forward to the next one.”

Djokovic’s next opponent will be Alex de Minaur, the 11th seed from Australia, following his victory over Jan-Lennard Struff.

De Minaur displayed impressive form to secure a spot in the last eight, setting the stage for an exciting clash against the Serbian star.

Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner continued his impressive 24-1 record this season with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 win over Jan-Lennard Struff.

The world number two broke at 4-4 en route to pocketing the first set and won nine of the final 11 games to sweep to victory.

“I broke him quite early and then he broke me back. I knew it was going to be really tough, but I guess I returned really well, especially on second serves. I can be very happy,” said Sinner.

Sinner’s dominant performance propelled him into the quarter-finals, where he is set to face Holger Rune, a formidable opponent who defeated him in last year’s semi-finals.

Rune’s path to the quarter-finals was marked by a hard-fought victory over Grigor Dimitrov, saving two match points in a thrilling encounter.

Rune made the last eight after a three-hour 30-minute 7-6 (11/9), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2) win over Grigor Dimitrov, saving two match points in the 12th game of the deciding set.

“It was a great match,” said Rune. “I thought I played a very good first set, it was very long, one-and-a-half hours. So it was tough physically.”

Despite facing physical challenges due to a rain-delayed match earlier in the day, Rune showcased resilience and determination to secure his spot in the next round.

However, the tournament was marred by controversy as Daniil Medvedev unleashed a furious tirade against officiating during his defeat to Karen Khachanov.

Medvedev’s outburst, which included berating the chair umpire and questioning line calls, drew attention away from the on-court action and raised concerns about the integrity of officiating in the tournament.

Television replays appeared to show the shot in question from Khachanov had landed wide of the court.

“It’s second day in a row. Guys, open your eyes. Do something. It’s out,” raged Medvedev.

“The mark is out. They don’t know how to referee anymore. Who will take action?

“Yesterday the ball is out, it’s called in. Who will take action. This ball is out there. Who will take responsibility? It’s not my responsibility to referee the matches.

“It’s this guy in the glasses (the line judge). He doesn’t need glasses because he doesn’t see anything. He should not be a referee.”

Khachanov’s reward for his victory is a quarter-final Friday clash against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who defeated fifth seed Alexander Zverev in a hard-fought 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).

De Minaur moved into the last eight with a 6-3, 6-4 victory against fellow Australian Alexei Popyrin.