Novak Djokovic reflects on disappointing early Monte-Carlo elimination: ‘It was horrible’

After a strong showing at the Miami Open, Novak Djokovic couldn’t carry his momentum onto the clay courts, falling in a surprising first-round defeat to Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte–Carlo Masters. The loss was a blow to Djokovic, who is chasing his elusive 100th ATP title.

Although Djokovic had made it clear before the tournament began that he didn’t have high expectations for his performance, he did not anticipate being eliminated in the first round while playing at such a low level.

“I expected myself at least to have put in a decent performance. Not like this, it was horrible,” Djokovic told reporters via ATP Tour. “I did not have high expectations. I knew I’m going to have a tough opponent, and I knew I’m going to probably play pretty bad. But this bad, I didn’t expect“.

Djokovic went on to apologize to fans for the lackluster showing. “I was hoping it was not going to happen, but it was quite a high probability I’m going to play this way. … A horrible feeling to play this way. Just sorry for all the people that have to witness this”.

Alejandro Tabilo shakes hands with Novak Djokovic at the net after his victory in the Monte-Carlo Masters. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Tabilo joins exclusive club after upsetting Djokovic

Tabilo’s victory added him to an exclusive list of players who hold a positive head-to-head record against Djokovic. That short list includes Marat Safin and Jiri Vesely. This was Tabilo’s second win over the Serbian star, having defeated him in the first round of the 2024 Rome Open in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.

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Safin’s wins came during Grand Slam events: at the 2005 Australian Open, where he dominated Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 en route to the title, and at Wimbledon 2008, where he triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-2. Meanwhile, Vesely bested Djokovic in Monte–Carlo 2016 (6-4, 2-6, 6-4) and Dubai 2022 (6-4, 7-6 (4)).

Tabilo reflects on his breakthrough victory

For Tabilo, this win was monumental, especially given his struggles earlier in the year. The Chilean had exited most tournaments in the first round, including a disappointing Australian Open loss to Roberto Carballes Baena.

“It has been a tough year, so a little bit of the nerves were there,” Tabilo said in his on-court interview. “I remembered last time what I did well, and thankfully I served well today, and it helped me a lot. It was an unreal match“.