Alejandro Tabilo demolishes No. 1 Djokovic in Rome | ATP Tour

Roma

Tabilo demolishes No. 1 Djokovic in Rome

The Chilean appears in 4R of an ATP Masters 1000 for the second time

May 12, 2024

Nothing is a coincidence in the season of Alejandro Tabilo, who has been overcoming stages during the first months of the course until rising to the highest position of his career, including his first ATP Tour title in Auckland.

But the No. 32 in the PIF ATP Rankings is not satisfied with what he has achieved so far in 2024 and this Sunday he knocked down world number one Novak Djokovic in the third round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 6-2, 6-3.

“It was incredible, it was an unforgettable feeling,” the Chilean acknowledged in the interview at the foot of the court. “I was trying to stay calm throughout the game, playing very well, I came out with everything and to be able to continue with that level throughout the game.” match was something I didn’t expect. I am very excited”.

In 67 minutes, in addition to signing the first victory of his career against a Top 10 opponent, he became the first Chilean to defeat a world No. 1 since Fernando González did it in 2007 against Roger Federer in the Nitto ATP Finals.

Tabilo landed in Rome, after taking advantage of his time on the ATP Challenger Tour in Aix-en-Provence (France), where he was proclaimed champion. With confidence gained on the French clay, the No. 29 favorite has been overcoming stages to reach the fourth round at the Foro Italico.

Although in the second round he was able to beat Yannick Hanfmann – he was exempt from playing the opening round due to his seeded status – this Sunday he faced Djokovic for the first time in the Lexus ATP Head2Head.

And the Chilean played boldly, taking advantage of his opportunities and not granting free points to the Serbian. However, he protected his serve with no break points and a 77% first serve success rate, in addition to converting four of the seven breaks he had in his favor.

Tabilo reached the round of 16 of an ATP Masters 1000 for the second time in his career, after he was able to do so at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells last year after passing the qualifying phase (l. with Frances Tiafoe).

To try to reach the quarterfinals in Rome, she will have to beat the No. 16 seed Karen Khachanov, who shortly before beat the Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 33 minutes.