Novak Djokovic: “I was completely disconnected” | ATP Tour

Roma

Djokovic: “I was completely disconnected”

The Serbian speaks after his 3R defeat against Tabilo in Rome

May 12, 2024

Novak Djokovic lost before reaching the quarterfinals at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for the first time in his career this Sunday, after displaying a version far from his usual level against the Chilean Alejandro Tabilo.

In the press room, minutes after saying goodbye to the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome, the Serbian showed his concern about the situation.

“I was not able to find the sensations on the court, honestly, in hitting the ball. “I was completely disconnected,” said the world No. 1 about the defeat in two sets 6-2, 6-3.

At 36 years old, the six-time champion in Rome had just defeated Corentin Moutet in his first match in this edition of this ATP Masters 1000. However, after the match he suffered a small accident when leaving the court on Friday night, where A bottle accidentally hit his head.

Djokovic was asked if he thought the incident had any bearing on the outcome of his first ATP Head2Head match against Tabilo.

“I don’t know, honestly,” the Balkan responded before getting into the question. “The training was different. I had a simple workout yesterday. I didn’t feel anything, but I didn’t feel the same either. Today, in stressful situations, I was pretty bad, not in terms of pain, but in terms of balance. Without coordination. A completely different player than two nights ago. Could be. I don’t know. I have to do a medical check-up and we’ll see what happens.”

Djokovic, who had never faced the Chilean, was full of praise for the left-handed player who won his first ATP Tour title this year at the start of the season in Auckland.

“Congratulations to my rival,” he said. “It is the first time we face each other. He is a great player. Complete”.

Djokovic also added that he must improve “everything” if he wants to have a chance of winning his 25th Grand Slam at Roland Garros. The World No. 1 is 12-5 this season, with his best result being the semifinals of the Australian Open.