Novak Djokovic Apologizes After Disappointing Loss to Alejandro Tabilo at Monte Carlo
Novak Djokovic suffered a tough defeat in his first match at the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters, falling to Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 6-4 in just 1 hour and 27 minutes. The two-time champion’s journey ended in the opening round, and the Serbian star expressed his regret over his performance.
After reaching the Miami Open final, Djokovic dealt with a viral infection that left him with low expectations going into Monte Carlo. However, he admitted he didn’t anticipate such a poor display against the Chilean.
“I came to Monte Carlo with no expectations, knowing I wasn’t in top form, but I didn’t expect to play this badly,” Djokovic said post-match. “My level was horrible, and playing like that felt terrible. I’m sorry to everyone who watched the match.”
Tabilo, who had already dispatched Stan Wawrinka in the first round, earned his second win over Djokovic in less than a year, having previously triumphed at the 2024 Italian Open. Djokovic struggled throughout the match, with issues on both his serve and return.
Tabilo Takes Control with Strong Return Game
Tabilo converted three of eight break points and outplayed Djokovic in several key areas. Despite a promising start where Djokovic broke Tabilo’s serve early, things quickly unraveled for the Serbian. Tabilo showcased a strong return game, winning 17 more points than his opponent. Djokovic’s first-serve percentage was low at 54%, and he dropped 45% of the points on his own serve.
The Chilean’s precision and composure on court helped him gain control, especially in shorter rallies, where he consistently found his rhythm and dictated the pace.
A Roller Coaster Opening Set
Djokovic claimed an early break in the first game but soon faltered. A double fault and missed backhand gave Tabilo a chance to break back in the second game, which he did with a solid forehand. Tabilo then took charge with clean service holds, breaking Djokovic again in the sixth game. The Chilean closed out the first set 6-3 in 37 minutes, taking full advantage of Djokovic’s unforced errors.
Tabilo Powers Through Second Set
The second set saw more of the same from Tabilo, who made a crucial break in the fourth game after Djokovic made an error on a deep return. Tabilo’s confident serving and relentless pressure on Djokovic’s serve took him to a 4-2 lead. Djokovic had a couple of break points later in the set but failed to capitalize. Tabilo closed out the match in style, serving for the win at 5-4 and sealing the victory with a service winner.
Djokovic’s Honest Reflection
In a candid moment, Djokovic acknowledged that his performance fell far below his standards, expressing frustration at his inability to perform at a higher level.
“Even though I tried to avoid it, I felt that playing like this was a real possibility,” Djokovic said. “It’s a bad feeling. I really hoped I could play decently, but nothing clicked today.”
Tabilo’s win marks another milestone in his career, having now beaten Djokovic twice. The Chilean will next face 15th seed Karen Khachanov for a place in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals.
