“It Was Actually More Like the Worst Day,” Says Djokovic After Monte-Carlo Exit
Photo Credit: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
Grand Slam record holder Novak Djokovic was met with cheers and smartphone flashes as he returned to the Monte-Carlo Masters—his home away from home. But for the Serbian legend, the day quickly unraveled into one of the worst performances of his career.
Alejandro Tabilo shocked the Monte-Carlo crowd and bounced the two-time champion with a convincing 6-2, 6-4 victory—marking his second straight win over Djokovic on clay.
“It was actually more like the worst day,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “I was hoping it wasn’t going to happen, but it was quite a high probability I’m going to play this way.”
Djokovic appeared out of rhythm and lacked energy, possibly still recovering from the eye infection that hampered his Miami Open final against Jakub Mensik. In Monte-Carlo, he landed just 54% of first serves and committed 29 unforced errors—nearly twice as many as Tabilo’s 16.
“I just felt flat. Horrible feeling to play this way. I’m sorry for all the people who had to witness this,” he added. “I expected myself to at least put in a decent performance—not like this.”
This win cements Tabilo’s growing reputation as a dangerous clay-court player. Last year, the Chilean lefty stunned Djokovic 6-2, 6-3 in Rome for his first Top 10 victory. Today, he proved that wasn’t a fluke.
As for Djokovic’s focus moving forward? His answer was concise: “Roland Garros.”
The Serbian superstar is still in pursuit of his historic 100th career ATP title and will now regroup for the road to Paris.