Andy Roddick says if he’s now worried about Novak Djokovic after his surprise Monte Carlo Masters loss to Alejandro Tabilo
Novak Djokovic’s rocky 2025 season hit another bump in the road this week, as the World No. 5 was ousted from the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets by Chilean Alejandro Tabilo. The 6-3, 6-4 defeat marked Djokovic’s sixth loss of the year and extended Tabilo’s perfect record against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Tabilo, who previously stunned Djokovic at the 2024 Italian Open, continues to be a difficult matchup for the Serbian. With this latest win, the Chilean moves into the third round, where he will face Grigor Dimitrov.
A Struggling Season for the Serbian Star
Djokovic, who hasn’t lifted a trophy since claiming Olympic gold in August 2024, is clearly going through a transitional phase in his career. The defeat in Monte Carlo not only continues his title drought but also raises fresh questions about his form, motivation, and overall goals for the season.
Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick weighed in on Djokovic’s current struggles during a post-match analysis, offering both reassurance and a deeper look into the mindset of a champion in the twilight of his career.
Roddick: “He’s Not Panicking—And Neither Should We”
“I don’t think the base level for Novak to consider a year successful is two majors anymore,” Roddick said. “The real question for him now is: Can I still peak when it matters? Can I summon that level just once more when it counts? That’s what matters most at this stage.”
Roddick also downplayed the significance of the Monte Carlo loss in the grand scheme of Djokovic’s season.
“I don’t know if we would’ve seen Novak at this tournament at all if he didn’t live up the street,” he added. “This feels more like a paid practice session than anything else.”
“Even with this loss, give him a solid three-to-four-week clay build-up ahead of the French Open, and I’m still backing him in a best-of-five,” Roddick insisted.
Djokovic Frustrated, Offers Apology
Djokovic was visibly frustrated with his performance and issued an apology to fans after the match. He committed 14 unforced errors in the opening set and never quite found his rhythm. Despite the setback, he is expected to remain in Monte Carlo to continue training ahead of the rest of the clay-court season.
What Comes Next?
The bigger question now is whether Djokovic can rediscover his competitive edge before Roland Garros. While his legacy is firmly secured, the hunger to compete at the highest level—and to silence the doubters—still burns.
With six losses already in 2025 and no titles in sight, the clay season could prove pivotal in determining whether Djokovic remains a dominant force, or begins to fade into the background of a new tennis era.
