Novak Djokovic: “I’m sorry for all the people who had to witness this” | ATP Tour

Montecarlo

Djokovic: “I’m sorry for all the people who had to witness this”

The bicampeón reflects on his defeat in corridos sets

April 09, 2025

As in his performance, Novak Djokovic felt deflated on Wednesday after his early elimination at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The Serbian lost to Alejandro Tabilo for the second time in a year on his return to the beaten earth.

“I was waiting for at least one decent performance. Not so. It was horrible,” Djokovic said. “I didn’t have great expectations. I knew I was going to have a hard rival and I knew that I was probably going to play quite badly. But I didn’t expect that bad.”

Djokovic competed on beaten land for the first time since he won the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games in July. The Serbian admitted that he did not expect his best level before the game, but felt frustrated by his performance below what was expected on the Rainier III track.

“I expected not to happen, but it was quite likely to play like this. I don’t know. It was horrible,” said Djokovic, who made 29 errors not forced in his defeat 6-3, 6-4, falling to 0-2 in his series Lexus ATP Head2head with tabilo. “A horrible feeling to play like this, and I’m sorry for all the people who had to witness this.”

Djokovic, twice champion in Montecarlo, is 12-6 in the season, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index index. His best result occurred in Miami, where he reached the game for the title, staying at the gates of winning his title No. 100 in the circuit. Belgrade tennis player fell in the final against Czech Jakub Mensik, 19.

The former number 1 of the PIF ATP Rankings will compete next time at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid, which is expected to be his coach Andy Murray.

See the Highlights of Tabilo’s surprise against Djokovic: