Alejandro Tabilo surprised Novak Djokovic in the Italian Open’s third round, causing the biggest upset of his career. The world No. 1’s Sunday loss at the Foro Italico shocked tennis commentators, fans, and crowds.
While Djokovic’s defeat may not be a huge surprise given his struggles this year, many were taken aback by his performance.
Tabilo defeated Djokovic in the quickest-ever ATP Tour match on a clay court, winning 6-2, 6-3, in just one hour and seven minutes. After the customary post-match handshake, loud boos erupted across Center Court, but they weren’t directed against the winning Tabilo.
Critics reacted to Djokovic’s poor performance equally severely, with some calling it among his worst ever and others calling it an unexpected display.
Naturally, it also sparked further concerns about whether the 36-year-old has grown disinterested. The legendary tennis player will enter Roland Garros with a 12–4 win-loss record and will be the only player to begin the clay-court Grand Slam without a title, having only done it twice since taking home his first trophy in 2006.
Rome is stunned 😳
Alejandro Tabilo claims the biggest win of his career so far, defeating number 1 seed Djokovic 6-2 6-3 in 67 minutes at the @InteBNLdItalia #IBI24 pic.twitter.com/ptutzb1LTj
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 12, 2024
Novak Djokovic in 2024
WWLWLWWWLW Currently the world no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 12th of May when he was overcome by world no.32 Alejandro Tabilo 6-2 6-3 in the 3rd round in Rome (draw).
This season Djokovic has a composed 12-5 win-loss record. Novak Djokovic’s most significant result of the current year was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo.
Djokovic has scheduled to compete next at the French Open (French Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of May.
Novak Djokovic |
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