© 2012 Daily Tennis News Wire -
Tearful Novak Djokovic won a  match only hours after learning of the death of his grandfather, with the world No. 1 apparently determined to carry on this week on the clay at Monte Carlo in memory of his beloved departed relative.

Monte Carlo-based Djokovic, who learned of the passing while on a practice court only hours before the match, elected to take to the court despite his sadness, beating Alexandr Dolgopolov.

He needed three sets to advance but left the clay in silence after looking to the heavens and clasping his hands together to the sky. "Novak Djokovic would like to ask for your understanding," read a statement from the ATP.

"As you know, he lost his grandfather today just before the match, and it was very hard for him to play.  After he won, he just felt totally exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally."

Djokovic was said to be close to grandfather Vladimir and sheltered with him and other family members during the NATO bombing of Belgrade in 1999.