World number one Novak Djokovic has refused to pull out of the Monte Carlo Masters, despite discovering that his grandfather has passed away today.

The 24-year-old was informed of the family death hours before taking on Alexandr Dolgopolov in the quarter-finals of the competition in Monaco.

Djokovic is currently in the middle of play on the clay court and losing by one set to his 21-year-old Ukrainian opponent.

It is believed that the prolific professional was seen leaving the practice court in tears this morning.