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BSP-14
TENNIS-ATP-USA
Kohlschreiber not satisfied with ‘special’ win over Djokovic
INDIAN WELLS, United States, March 13, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber said his job is not done after a “special” win over top-ranked Novak Djokovic at the ATP Indian Wells Masters.
The 35-year-old German, ranked 39th in the world, had come up empty in 11 prior attempts against No. 1-ranked opponents, so a 6-4, 6-4 result over 15-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic was certainly something to savor.
But not for long.
“Very special to beat the number one,” Kohlschreiber said. “Unfortunately, the tournament is not over.
“I have to get back tomorrow with a great mindset,” added Kohlschreiber, who said he would rate a trophy come Sunday over a third-round victory — even against a player of Djokovic’s stature.
He’ll be up against it immediately, taking on 18th-seeded Gael Monfils of France for a quarter-final berth on Wednesday.
Monfils leads their career rivalry 13-2 and has already won a title in Rotterdam this year — his first since Doha in 2018.
“Not easy,” Kohlschreiber said. “I have to say, Gael played better than me in these matches. He loves the big stage. He’s at the moment in a very good run. A lot of confidence — it’s going to be tough.”
The good news? Kohlschreiber thinks all the pressure will be on Monfils.
“He has great record against me. He’s higher ranked. He has to win. I have nothing to lose.
“Let’s hope that I’m still having enough fuel in my tank to play aggressive tennis, which I will need.”
BSS/AFP/AU/08:35 hrs