The first five matches between the pair were won by Djokovic, but the most recent was captured by Goffin - the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 in 2017.
Djokovic served first, and though taken to deuce, held for the early lead. In fact through the first six games there were no service breaks. Goffin was the more definitive at the line, winning twelve of fifteen points, while Djokovic had to save two break points in the third game.
Goffin’s pressure finally bore fruit in game seven when he converted a break point once it arrived. At 4-3, a surprise was on the horizon.
Djokovic took it away immediately by breaking back for 4-4, the start of a withering run of games won.
At 4-5, Goffin wilted under the world number one’s intimidation and the first of two set points was used to advantage. Djokovic won a set 6-4, which for the most part belonged to Goffin.
Set two began with Djokovic holding serve, then Goffin wasting a game point before the top seed broke for 2-0. Things became worse for the Belgian as Djokovic served a love game and followed up by breaking to love. 5-0 after a consolidation of the second break. At one stage during this blitz, Djokovic won 12 points straight. Serving to stay in the set for at least a little bit longer, and to reduce the embarrassment, Goffin saved set point on two occasions.
However he couldn’t use two game point opportunities, and ultimately Djokovic converted a third set point to lead 6-4 6-0.
Set three saw Goffin have and waste chances. Djokovic saved a break point in the opening game, and two more in the fifth game. The top seed was presented with only two break opportunities, but he took them both. He broke Goffin in the fourth game to lead 3-1, and when leading 5-2 he broke again to take the match and book a semi final berth 6-4 6-0 6-2.
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