Monte Carlo Masters: Protecting French Open champion Novak Djokovic had a horror begin to his clay season because the International No. 1 was once ousted within the 2d around via unseeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1 on Tuesday.
Novak Djokovic was once surprised within the 2d around of Monte Carlo Masters (Photograph courtesy: Reuters)
HIGHLIGHTSNovak Djokovic was once surprised within the 2d around of Monte Carlo MastersDjokovic misplaced to unseeded Alejandro Davidovich FokinaIt was once most effective Djokovic’s 4th tournament of the season because the Serb struggled for rhythm
International primary Novak Djokovic crashed to a three-set defeat in most effective his fourth tournament of the season, falling 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1 to unseeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second one around of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.
The 20-times Grand Slam champion persisted a tricky begin to the 12 months as he was once not able to protect his Australian Open name in January after being deported from the rustic for being unvaccinated towards COVID-19. Djokovic, who most effective performed 3 fits in Dubai forward of the Masters 1000 match in Monaco, struggled to search out his vary early within the contest as Spaniard Davidovich Fokina raced to a 4-1 lead earlier than taking the outlet set on Courtroom Rainier III.
The arena quantity 46 grabbed an early damage in the second one set to head up 3-0 however Djokovic battled again earlier than overcoming problems with a wobbly serve to degree the competition following a good tiebreak.
Fokina then raised his recreation within the decider, preying on errors made via a tiring Djokovic and finished the victory because the Serb discovered the web.
“This win is so particular to me as a result of I grew up staring at Nole (Djokovic) and I am a large fan of his,” Davidovich Fokina stated in his post-match interview.
“I knew Nole did not have the arrogance as a result of he did not play so much this season… I had my probabilities at first of the tournament and I took them.
“When he gained the second one set it was once difficult mentally, however I paintings arduous to be targeted. I needed to be ready for the struggle.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas will start the defence of his name on the match with a second-round conflict towards 2019 champion Fabio Fognini whilst Grigor Dimitrov performs Dusan Lajovic for a place within the around of 16.
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