Novak Djokovic was defeated by Chilean tennis player Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters, 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic said, "It was horrible," as he was still feeling the effects of an eye infection from last month's Miami tournament.
Djokovic, who was expected to win his 100th ATP title, did not play well. Tabilo, who also lost to him in 2024 at the Rome Masters, now has a 2-0 record against Djokovic on clay courts. He said he did not have high expectations, but he did not think he would play this low.
While Djokovic crashed out of the tournament, Carlos Alcaraz picked up his first win in Monte Carlo against Francisco Cerundolo, 3-6, 6-0, 6-1. Alcaraz started slowly but recovered immediately in the next two sets, using a more aggressive style and drop shots.
Alcaraz said his game changed after positioning himself closer to the baseline and not letting Cerundolo control him. His next opponent is Daniel Altmaier of Germany in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Richard Gasquet, 38 years old, was honored in his final match in Monte Carlo. He has been competing in the tournament since he was 15 years old, and will retire after the French Open.
