Novak Djokovic, a year on from dropping his opening-round match on the same court last year in Monte Carlo against Jiri Vesely, was pushed to the limit against Gilles Simon; Getty Images
“I think 2004 was the last time I played here. Who did I lose to? Geez, I forgot…Xavier Malisse…” – Tommy Haas’s reaction to beating Benoit Paire in Monte Carlo. (Getty Images)
Benoit Paire, meanwhile, wasn’t so happy to be losing to Tommy Haas: “Even against a player of 70 years I would have lost today because I wasn’t able to play at all.” (Getty Images)
Lucas Pouille was too strong for Ryan Harrison, winning in straight sets to advance to the second round; Getty Images
Qualifier Adrian Mannarino was pumped to score his first win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga … (Getty Images)
… while Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was frustrated to let a one-set lead slip and fall in three to his fellow Frenchman; Getty Images
Next Gen star Karen Khachanov dropped just six games in brushing Nicolas Mahut aside in Monte Carlo; Getty Images
Novak Djokovic, a year on from dropping his opening-round match on the same court last year in Monte Carlo against Jiri Vesely, was pushed to the limit against Gilles Simon; Getty Images
Djokovic (L) ultimately survived Simon, winning 7-5 in the third set to advance to the last 16: Getty Images
David Goffin recovered from 5-1 down in the first set and won 12 of the next 13 games to beat Nicolas Almagro in the second round; Getty Images
